As we should all know, the Academy Award nominees were announced this week. Among the nominees are some films which you can find in the collection of Australian owned company Madman Entertainment, and they’ve let us know exactly what they are!

The Secret of Kells © Les Armateurs, The Cartoon Saloon Limited, Vivi Film. All rights reserved

Nominated in the “Best Animated Film” category is THE SECRET OF KELLS, which introduces us to 12 year old Brendan. He must battle Vikings and a Celtic serpent (as well as his own personal fears) to save the enchanted forest in which his new-found friend Aisling (a fairy/white wolf/girl) lives and complete the Book of Kells. Madman will release the film on DVD on March 10th, 2010 for $29.95.

For “Best Documentary” THE COVE is up for an award. The documentary exposes the current problems facing the dolphin population in Taiji, Japan – where they harvest dolphins within a hidden cove which allows for the operation to be carried out in secrecy, and thousands of dolphins lose their lives. While this documentary doesn’t appear to have affected those performing this “harvest”, animal lovers will be deeply affected. The DVD is available for purchase now, and will cost $34.95.

The “Writing – Adapted Screenplay” film IN THE LOOP stars James Gandolfini and Peter Capaldi, and is a satirical film about the US President and the UK Prime Minister who are in the mood for a war. Unfortunately for them, not everyone likes this idea. The film is set for release on DVD & Blu-Ray in June 2010.

Nominated in 2 categories, “Best Actor in a Supporting Role” and “Writing – Original Screenplay”, is the film THE MESSENGER. The film stars Ben Foster and Woody Harrelson – which earned Woody a nomination in the “Best Supporting Actor” category. The story follows 2 US Army Officers who return home from Iraq, tasked with having to tell families of fallen soldiers the bad news. When one of them delivers the news to a widow named Olivia (Samantha Morton), his life begins to change. The film is set to show in cinemas soon, but Madman have managed to acquire distribution rights when it comes out on DVD.

The 82nd Academy Awards ceremony will take place in Los Angeles on March 7th, and is going to be hosted by Steve Martin and Alec Baldwin. Keep your fingers crossed for the above nominees – I know I will be!