DHAKA: Some 289 feature films are eligible for the 2013 best picture Oscar, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has said.

To be considered, films must open in a commercial cinema in Los Angeles County by midnight on 31 December and run for at least seven consecutive days.

12 Years a Slave, American Hustle and Gravity are among the films tipped to be shortlisted for the top award.

The nominations will be announced on 16 January with the awards on 2 March.

Ampas published the full list of films put forward on its website, which includes other likely award nominees Captain Philips, Philomena and Nebraska.

It also includes films such as Will Smith sci-fi ‘After Earth’, ‘Fast & Furious 6’, ‘Grown Ups 2’, biopic ‘Diana’ and One Direction documentary, ‘This Is Us’.

Ampas also announced the 75 songs in contention for the original song category.

Tracks include Coldplay’s Atlas from ‘The Hunger Games: Catching Fire’, U2’s Ordinary Love from ‘Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom’ and Jay-Z’s $100 Bill from ‘The Great Gatsby’, reports the BBC.

BDST: 1420 HRS, DEC 18, 2013
Edited by Robab Rosan, Current Affairs Editor