9 foreign-language films advance in Oscar race

In this film publicity image released by Sony Pictures Classics, Leonard Proxauf is shown in a scene from, 'The White Ribbon.'[Agencies]

LOS ANGELES – Nine foreign-language films, including works from Bulgaria and Kazakhstan, are on the short list in this year's Oscar race.

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences says a committee of "several hundred" members selected the nine films from 65 that qualified in the category. The number will be winnowed down to five by the time nominations in all categories are announced Feb. 2.

Still in contention in the foreign-language category are "El Secreto de Sus Ojos" from Argentina, "Samson & Delilah" from Australia, Bulgaria's "The World Is Big and Salvation Lurks Around the Corner," "Un Prophete" from France, Golden Globe winner "The White Ribbon" from Germany, Israel's "Ajami," Kazakhstan's "Kelin," "Winter in Wartime" from the Netherlands and Peru's "Milk of Sorrow."

The Academy Award ceremony is set for March 7.