The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences said 311 films qualified to compete for the five nominations for best picture at the Oscars' televised ceremony in March.

"Marking a 16.5 percent increase from 2004, the 2005 total of eligible features marks the first time in 32 years that as many as 300 motion pictures have contended for the Best Picture award," the academy said in a statement.

The academy partly attributed the rise to the increase of feature-length documentaries playing in theaters. There were 35 documentaries this year compared to 15 in 2004.

To be considered for a best picture nomination, a movie must last more than 40 minutes, and have been exhibited theatrically on 35mm or 70mm film, or a qualifying digital format.

The film must also have opened in a commercial theater, for paid admission, in Los Angeles County between Jan. 1 and Dec. 31 and run for seven consecutive days.

Oscar nominations will be announced Jan. 31. The 78th Academy Awards ceremony will take place March 5 in Los Angeles.

(Source: Shenzhen Daily/Agencies)