The Motion Picture Academy's visual effects branch made an unprecedented statement in support of visual effects in animated films as it narrowed the contenders for the "Best Visual Effects" Oscar to 15 films that will be considered for the nomination, according to Variety.
The superhero films on the list this year include:
Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix
Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End
Notably missing from the list of nominated films this year are the comic-book based films Fantastic Four: Rise of The Silver Surfer and Ghost Rider.
Nominations will be named in January, with the Academy Award winners announced on February 24, 2008.