Nine make Oscar foreign-lingo shortlist

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences has culled nine films from the 63 pics that qualified in the foreign-language category for the 84th Academy Awards. The Wednesday announcement, which concludes the second round of voting prior to the Jan. 24 Oscar nominations, presented the following shortlist of contenders: Belgium, "Bullhead," Michael R. Roskam, director Canada, "Monsieur Lazhar," Philippe Falardeau Denmark, "Superclasico," Ole Christian Madsen Germany, "Pina," Wim Wenders Iran, "A Separation," Asghar Farhadi Israel, "Footnote," Joseph Cedar Morocco, "Omar Killed Me," Roschdy Zem Poland, "In Darkness," Agnieszka Holland Taiwan, "Warriors of the Rainbow: Seediq Bale," Wei Te-sheng. The Phase I committee, consisting of several hundred Los Angeles-based members, screened the 63 eligible films between mid-October and Jan. 13. The group's top six choices, augmented by three additional selections voted by the Academy's executive committee, constitute the shortlist. The shortlist will be winnowed down to the five nominees by specially invited committees in NY and Los Angeles. From Friday through Sunday they will view three films each day and then cast their ballots. Contact Christy Grosz at christy.grosz@variety.com