Three theatrical programmes will give audiences around the country an opportunity to watch the nominated shorts in the Animation, Live Action and Documentary categories prior to the 83rd Academy Awards (R) ceremony on February 27th. This year will mark the inaugural theatrical outing for the nominated Documentary shorts. The Oscar (R) Nominated Short Films has become a key fixture of the awards season. Last year the release exceeded the million-dollar mark at the US box office, charting a spectacular 289% growth in attendance since its inception in 2005. Along with the theatrical run, the nominated short films will be released individually on iTunes from February 22nd in the US, Canada, UK, France, Germany and other iTunes Stores throughout the world. The release will also be available via cable’s Movies On Demand (MOD), distributed by leading MOD distributor, iN DEMAND L.L.C. “The Oscar (R) Nominated Short Films are some of this years best entertainment. They’re made by the worlds stand-out, emerging filmmakers and represent the cutting edge of entertainment,” said Carter Pilcher, Chief Executive of Shorts International. “Audiences this year will experience intense emotional highs, laugh-out-loud comedies and brilliant insights, all in the space of 90 minutes.” “The only way to improve your handicap come Oscar (R) night, is to catch these incredible short film nominees,” said Tom Quinn, SVP of Magnolia Pictures. — (C) Shorts International