Out of an original field ofsix, five finalists for France's Prix Louis Delluc have been chosen. Philippe Garel'sVenice selection Les Amants Reguliers, Cannes winner Cache by Michael Haneke, criticalfavourite The Beat That My Heart Skipped byJacques Audiard, Xavier Beauvois'Le Petit Lieutenant and Claire Denis'L'Intruswill vie for the prestigious award set to be handed out on December 16 in Paris.

Meanwhile, three films havebeen shortlisted for best first film. They are: Alex by Jose Alcala, Directors' Fortnightselection Cold Showers by Anthony Corider and Lucille Hadzihalilovic'sInnocence.

The nominees originallyannounced in November varied slightly from the final list announced Friday withboth Innocence and L'Intrus makinglast-minute appearances.

The Louis Delluc prize was created in 1937 and is handed out by ajury led by Cannes Festival president Gilles Jacob. Awarded at Fouquet'srestaurant on the Champs-Elysees, the trophies markthe beginning of the French award season and are often a harbinger of whichfilms will take home Cesars in January.

Arnaud Desplechin'sRois Et Reine took last year's top prize while Yolande Moreau and Gilles Porte won for Quand La Mer Monte.