Shorts International and Magnolia Pictures will present “The Oscar Nominated Short Films 2010” (Live-Action and Animation) in theatres in the US, Canada and the United Kingdom. The Oscar® Shorts program will open in theaters from February 19th, expanding to 100 cities in the following weeks, giving people around the world an opportunity to see the nominated films prior to the 82nd Academy Awards® ceremony on March 7th. A list of participating theatres will be available at www.theoscarshorts.com beginning February 4th. The theatrical release of Academy Award nominated short films program was launched 5 years. Since then, its popularity has charted 289 increase in attendance at the box offices. "These short films prove the continued relevance of the short film category with a formidable line-up of varied productions from around the world." said Carter Pilcher, Chief Executive of Shorts International. "These filmmakers represent filmmaking talent of the future and we are thrilled to be introducing them to the marketplace." "It's the only programme of its kind, making Oscar® nominated short films available to the public before the awards," said Tom Quinn, SVP of Magnolia Pictures. "If audiences are interested in improving their handicap come Oscar® night, this is the best way to get a head start." Nominations for the 82nd Academy Awards® will be announced on February 2nd.