The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences announced the seven films being considered for Achievement in Sound Editing for the 76th Academy Awards. Included on the list is FINDING NEMO, which features the work of Oscar-winning sound designer Gary Rydstrom (TERMINATOR 2: JUDGMENT DAY) of Skywalker Sound. Rydstrom has worked on all the previous Disney/Pixar features. An animated feature has never won in this category.

The other six films in consideration are:
KILL BILL: VOL. 1
THE LAST SAMURAI
THE LORD OF THE RINGS: THE RETURN OF THE KING
MASTER AND COMMANDER: THE FAR SIDE OF THE WORLD
PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN: THE CURSE OF THE BLACK PEARL
SEABISCUIT

Ten-minute clip reels from each of the seven films will be screened for the Sound Editing Award Committee on Jan. 20. The members will then vote on these films for Oscar consideration. The outcome of this vote will result in the following options: 1) if two or three productions receive the required votes they will become the nominated films in the Sound Editing category; 2) if only one film receives the required votes it will be recommended to the Academy Board of Governors for a Special Achievement Award; or 3) if no film achieves the required votes, no award for 2003 will be given in the category.

If nominees are selected they will be announced along with nominations in 23 other categories on January 27, at 5:30 am PST.

Academy Awards for outstanding film achievements of 2003 will be presented on Feb. 29, from the Kodak Theatre at Hollywood & Highland and televised live by the ABC Television Network at 5:00 pm PST.