May 31, 2000

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT: John Pavlik - (310) 247-3000

Beverly Hills, CA - The 73rd Annual Academy Awards competition has begun with an international call by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences for information about scientific and technical achievements.

"We're looking for achievements that the Scientific and Technical Awards Committee can begin considering for this year's awards," committee chair Richard Edlund said.

It's the first public announcement relating to the 73rd Oscars^® and thus officially begins the race.

Entry forms and details about the Scientific and Technical Awards have been mailed to more than 800 companies and individuals in the film-related scientific community around the world as well as to all past winners of Scientific and Technical Awards, Edlund said.

Scientific and Technical Awards are considered for advances which have proved significant to the film industry in the production of motion pictures, according to Awards Administration Director Richard Miller, who added that they don't have to have been invented during the current year. "Achievements are considered only if they have proved their exceptional merit through successful use," Miller said.

All entry applications must be submitted to the Academy no later than Tuesday, August 1, 2000.

Technical advances brought to the attention of the Scientific and Technical Awards Committee will be evaluated by sub-committees of distinguished engineers, scientists and craftspersons before being recommended to the Academy's Board of Governors for award consideration.

Information and application packets may be obtained by contacting Miller's office by telephone (310-247-3000, ext. 129), FAX (310-859-9619), e-mail (scitech@oscars.org) or by visiting the Academy website at www.oscars.org.