The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has narrowed down the Visual Effects category to 10 films.

Among the 10 films shortlisted is "Star War The Force Awakens." The film was announced on the longlist a few weeks back, even though the latest installment in the hit franchise had not been screened for the Academy.

However, it is not a surprise to see this film in the shortlist, as five of the previous films in the franchise have gone on to be nominated for Visual Effects. Only "Episode III: Revenge of the Sith" was shunned from this category.

"The Force Awakens" will compete with Oscar front-runner "Mad Max: Fury Road," which is one of the most acclaimed films of the year and is likely to win the category. "Jurassic World" also made the final ten, alongside Disney's features "Tomorrowland," "Avengers: Age of Ultron" and "Ant-Man."

"The Martian" also made the list and could pose a huge threat, especially since the Academy recently gave "Gravity" and "Interstellar" the award, and all three are space films. "The Martian" is likely to get nominated for Best Picture as well, and this could give the film a better shot at winning the category.

Three other contenders represent a progressive look at Visual Effects for the Academy. "Ex Machina," "The Revenant" and "The Walk" were all shortlisted. These contenders represent a change for the category, as they do not heavily rely on CGI, instead using the medium to enhance the story or create unique sequences. The creation of Ava in "Ex Machina," the bear fight in "The Revenant," and the Twin Towers in "The Walk" were most likely some of the major reasons for these films to make this shortlist.

Not all films received good news from the announcement. Ten films were eliminated from the list. Among these films were "Bridge of Spies," "Chappie," "Everest," "Furious 7," "The Hunger Games: Mockingjay - Part 2," "In the Heart of the Sea," "Jupiter Ascending," "Mission: Impossible - Rogue Nation," "Spectre" and "Terminator Genisys."

Recent winners in the Academy's Visual Effects category have included "Interstellar," "Gravity," "Life of Pi," "Hugo" and "Inception."

The Oscar nominations for the 88th Annual Academy Awards will be announced on Jan. 14, and the awards will be handed out on Feb. 28.