Pretoria - The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences announced on Tuesday that South African sci- fi thriller District 9 and rugby-themed film Invictus have been nominated for Oscar awards.
In total the films have received six nominations.
District 9 received four nominations in this year's best picture category. This year, the academy expanded the category from five to 10 nominations in a bid to attract audience and invigorate the race as the ratings have been slip-sliding over the past few years.
The film has received nominations in the categories visual effect and film editing, best adapted screenplay and best picture. The film is competing against major Hollywood films such as Avatar, The Blind Side and Up in the Air.
South African rugby-themed movie Invictus has been nominated for two awards.
Morgan Freeman who portrays former President Nelson Mandela in the film has been nominated in the best actor category while Matt Damon who portrays Springbok captain Francois Pienaar has been nominated for best supporting actor.
The Oscars will be held on 7 March.
