Seven films have been shortlisted for the Oscar for achievement in visual effects by the effects branch of the Academy Of Motion Picture Arts And Sciences.

They are 300, The Bourne Ultimatum, Evan Almighty, The Golden Compass, I Am Legend, Pirates Of The Caribbean: At World's End and Transformers.

Members of the branch will view 15-minute excerpts from each of the seven shortlisted films. Following the screenings, the members will vote to nominate three films which will vie for the Oscar to be presented during the annual ceremony on Feb 24. Nominations are announced on Jan 22.

Notable omissions from the shortlist include Spider-man 3, Harry Potter And The Order Of The Phoenix, Fantastic Four: Rise Of The Silver Surfer and Live Free Or Die Hard.