October 24, 2001

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT:  John Pavlik - 310-247-3000

Beverly Hills, CA - Thursday, November 1, is the deadline for receipt by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences of entry forms in four categories for the 74th Annual Academy Awards^® - animated features, live-action and animated short films and foreign language films.

To be considered in this year's Oscar competition, makers of eligible animated feature films and animated and live-action short films as well as countries submitting films for Foreign Language Film Award consideration must have their entry forms and supporting documents at the Academy by a week from today (November 1), Academy Executive Director Bruce Davis reminded.

"This is the first year for the animated feature category and we're anxious about assembling a quorum," Davis said. "It's particularly important that entry forms be submitted on time in this category because eight eligible films are required to trigger a Best Animated Feature Film Award.

"There were easily enough qualifiers released this year, but with just a week to go we still don't have any entries."

On the other hand, Davis conceded, "entries for all the special categories are like college term papers - they tend to arrive on the last possible day."

In the Animated Feature Film category, an entry form naming the intended award recipient and including the signatures of all credited producers and directors is required. Supporting documentation also must include a synopsis, cast and credits list, filmographies and stills. The deadline for submitting film prints is December 19.

The same documentation is required in the short films categories. The deadline for submitting film prints and proof of qualifying exhibition is November 30.

In the foreign language category, additional required documentation includes a cast and credits list, a synopsis in English and other fact sheets. Film prints must be received at the Academy by Thursday, November 15.

Screenings of the submitted films will begin in December. Academy Award^® nominations will be announced on Tuesday, February 12, 2002, and Academy Awards for outstanding film achievements of 2001 will be presented on March 24, 2002, at the Kodak Theatre at Hollywood & Highland^®. Sunday at the Oscars^® will be televised live by the ABC Television Network beginning at 5 p.m. (PST), with a half-hour arrivals segment preceding the presentation ceremony.

Further information about the animated feature, short films and foreign language film categories, including criteria for eligibility, may be obtained by calling (310) 247-3000 - extension 116, by sending an inquiry via fax to (310) 247-2600 or on the Academy's website, <www.oscars.org>.