63 countries vying for Oscar nod in foreign language category

Los Angeles: India`s official entry `Adaminte Makan Abu` (Abu, Son of Adam) is facing competition from 62 other countries who are vying for a nomination in the best foreign language film category for the 84th Annual Academy Awards.

Sixty-three countries, including first-time entrant New Zealand, have submitted films for consideration in the category for the 2012 Academy Awards. The Malayalam family drama directed by Salim Ahamed is in the race, alongwith Marc Evans directed `Patagonia` from the UK, China`s `The Flowers of War` by Zhang Yimou, Egypt`s `Lust` by Khaled el Hagar, `Declaration of War` by Valerie Donzelli from France and Japan`s `Postcard` by Kaneto Shindo, a statement from the Academy said. The film follows the story of a poor perfume seller Abu whose only remaining wish in life is the Hajj pilgrimage, which he strives hard to fulfil, and at the verge of the fulfilment, he opts out when he fears that the means is not fully legitimate. The cast includes National Award winning actor Salim Kumar and Zarina Wahab. The Oscar nominations will be announced on January 24 in the Academy`s Samuel Goldwyn Theatre. Academy Awards for outstanding film achievements of 2011 will be presented on February 26. The Oscar presentation will be televised live in more than 200 countries worldwide. PTI