MUMBAI: Nine films have advanced from the initial pool of 65 submissions in the Academy‘s foreign language shortlist and will be in the mix when five nominations are announced on 2 February.

Of these topping the list are German entry The White Ribbon and A Prophet from France.

Other shortlisted films include, El Secreto De Sus Ojos (Argentina), Samson & Delilah (Australia), The World Is Big And Salvation Lurks Around The Corner (Bulgaria), Un Prophete (France), The White Ribbon (Germany), Ajami (Israel), Kelin (Kazakhstan), Winter In Wartime (The Netherlands) and The Milk Of Sorrow (Peru). 

India‘s hopes of a Oscar nomination was dashed after Harischandrachi Factory did not find a mention in the shortlist.

Foreign language nominations are being determined in two phases. The Phase I committee, comprising several hundred Los Angeles-based members, screened the 65 eligible films between mid-October and January 16.

The shortlist will be reduced to five nominees by specially invited committees in New York and Los Angeles. They will spend 29 to 31 January viewing three films each day before casting their ballots.

The nominations will be announced on February 2.