Argentina and Venezuela have made the short list of the 2015 Academy Awards for the foreign film category.

After going through a record-breaking 83 submissions, the Academy narrowed down the foreign film submission to nine movies. The Academy usually announces the final nine in January, but this year decided to announce earlier.

As always, the list includes a number of front-runner contenders such as Poland's "Ida," Sweden's "Force Majeure" and Russia's "Leviathan."

Argentina's submission, "Wild Tales," can also be called a big contender, as it played at the Cannes Film festival and was extremely popular throughout the festival circuit. It also acquired distribution from Sony Picture Classics, which is known for dominating this category.

However, there were a number of surprises such as Estonia's Golden Globe nominee "Tangerines," Georgia's "Corn Island," Mauritania's "Timbuktu," Netherlands' "Accused," and Venezuela's "The Liberator."

These films came as surprises especially since Belgium's "Two Days, One Night," and Canada's "Mommy" were beloved. The Palme d'Or winner "Winter Sleep" also failed to make the short list after garnering rave reviews.

From this list, it is hard to predict what the Academy will ultimately nominate. However, one of the films that is unlikely to make through is Venezuela's submission. While the film opened in the U.S. and has an all-star cast, the movie received negative reviews and never generated big revenues at the box office. The film could qualify for other categories, but this category seems too rigid for a film with a lot of backlash from critics. Don't expect the country to be nominated for its first Academy Award.

On the other hand, "Wild Tales" is likely to get in and ultimately gets its seventh nomination. The comedy has great reviews and as aforementioned Sony is releasing it. Additionally, Pedro Almodovar produced the movie and he is very popular with the Academy. The film was also a huge hit in Latin America, which will definitely boost its profile with the Academy.

"Wild Tales" will also be release next year, which also gives it an edge. If the movie is to get nominated and win, that could help it become a huge box office hit.

"Ida" and "Force Majeure" will likely get nominated, especially since they have led the critics' awards and have also been big box office films. They have also taken a number of important European awards, which is important when the Academy decides on the nominees.

"Leviathan" is still a question mark, especially since it is controversial and an extremely challenging film. However, it is already a Golden Globe nominee and has obtained nominations all over the map. This will definitely boost its chances and Russia could get its 14th nomination.

The other contenders are question marks. Estonia's selection "Tangerines" surprised and was nominated for the Golden Globes. The film did not make a single big film festival such as Cannes, Telluride, Toronto, Tribeca or Sundance. That is probably what ultimately hurt it from getting nominated. However, the Globe nomination and great reviews could be more influential.

"Timbuktu" is not really a dark horse since it was a hit at Cannes and at the New York Film Festival. It is also the first time Mauritania submits a film and the Academy may want to make some type of history.

The Netherlands' "Accused" has not been getting a lot of press in the U.S. while Georgia's "Corn Island" also has a small profile. Neither one has a distributor in the U.S. However, expect the films to be acquired. Last year, all of Sony Pictures' candidates failed to make the shortlist. As a result, the company acquired Hungary's "The Notebook." Even though the film was ultimately not nominated, the company still wanted to have a chance in the Oscar race.

The nominations will be handed out on Jan. 15 and will be interesting to see what other surprises the Academy has.

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