OSCAR UPDATE: 'Rang De Basanti' out. 'Water' still in the hunt.

OSCAR UPDATE: 'Rang De Basanti' out. 'Water' still in the hunt.
- Aakash Gandhi Let us know what you think about this story

So it’s finally official. Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra’s Rang De Basanti is out of the running for this year’s 79th Annual Academy Awards. However, another Hindi language film has been picked. Deepa Mehta’s much acclaimed ‘Water’ (Canada’s official entry) was short-listed – joining eight other films in the Best Foreign Film Category.

This year was amongst the first that the Oscars allowed Foreign language submissions that were not the primary language of the country, hence Water’s nomination.

Until last year, the Academy would only choose the final five nominations. However, now the Academy shortlists 9 films, then 30 members – ten of the original committee, 10 new Los Angeles members, and 10 New York members – will select the final five. The final five nominations, along with all the other nominations, will be announced on Tuesday, January 23rd.

It’s unfortunate India’s RDB was not chosen, but here’s wishing Deepa Mehta and the entire crew of ‘Water’ the very best of luck.

The other eight films that have been short-listed by the Academy include Days of Glory (Algeria), After the Wedding (Denmark), Avenue Montaigne (France), The Lives of Others (Germany), Pan's Labyrinth (Mexico), Black Book (The Netherlands), Volver (Spain) and Vitus (Switzerland).

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