Foreign Films Swamp Oscar

As the folks at the Academy undoubtedly know by now, the world is a very big place.

But that’s a good thing. The Academy of Motion Arts & Sciences has received a record 46 entries from all around the globe — including countries such as the Philippines, Russia, Yugoslavia and first-time applicant Ecuador for Academy Award consideration in the Best Foreign Language Film category.

And what that means is a lot of viewing for the award committee, which will begin screening all submissions Dec. 1 before choosing five nominees.

Nominations will be announced Feb. 13 at the Academy. The Academy Awards ceremony will be take place March 25 at the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles.