With the distinct possibly of THE MATRIX RELOADED and THE MATRIX REVOLUTIONS canceling each other out in terms of Oscar contention, Warner Bros. has decided to solely promote the latter film, which opens Nov. 5, 2003, a studio source told VFXWorld. It also makes sense from the standpoint that REVOLUTIONS concludes the Wachowski Brothers' trilogy and will have all the momentum on its side if it delivers the goods. And with only three movies vying for best visual effects, the studio certainly doesn't want to overplay its MATRIX hand in this category.

In addition, THE HOLLYWOOD REPORTER queried the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences on the subject, and it was suggested that studios are not compelled to promote both films for Oscar consideration. Likewise, Miramax, which may release Quentin Tarantino's KILL BILL in two parts this year for Oscar consideration, is still contemplating its own strategy.