The Academy Of Motion Picture Arts And Sciences has posted entry forms for the 81st Academy Awards' foreign language competition to 96 countries.

Countries need to be return the forms so they are received at the Academy by October 1. To qualify for the 81st Academy Awards a film must be released in the submitting country between October 1 2007 and September 30 2008 and be publicly screened in 35mm or 70mm film or in a qualifying digital cinema format for at least seven consecutive days in a commercial motion picture theatre.

The dialogue track must be predominantly in a language or languages other than English. Accurate English subtitles are required.

Countries that have not received entry packets but are interested in submitting a film for consideration should contact the Academy.

The Oscars will be handed out on February 22 2009 at the Kodak Theatre in Los Angeles.