The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has announced the seven semi-finalists in the 2009 Oscar's Visual Effects category. They are, in alphabetical order:
Australia
The Curious Case of Benjamin Button
The Dark Knight
Iron Man
Journey to the Center of the Earth
The Mummy: Tomb of the Dragon Emperor
Among those missing in action are Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull, The Incredible Hulk, and The Day the Earth Stood Still.
As per the Academy's release, on Thursday, Jan. 15, all members of the Academy’s Visual Effects Branch will be invited to view 15-minute excerpts from each of the seven shortlisted films. Following the screenings, members will pick three films for final Oscar consideration.
The 2009 Academy Award nominations will be announced on Thursday, January 22, 2009, at 5:30 a.m. Pacific Time at the Academy’s Samuel Goldwyn Theater in Beverly Hills.
The 2009 Academy Awards ceremony will be held on Sunday, February 22, 2009, at the Kodak Theatre at Hollywood & Highland Center. In the US, the Oscarcast will be televised live by ABC.
that's kinda disappointing that Indy Jones didn't make the cut