Oscar unveils makeup contenders

Seven films in the running for Academy Award

By VARIETY STAFF

Seven pics are in contention for the 2008 Oscar for makeup: "The Curious Case of Benjamin Button," "The Dark Knight," "Hellboy II: The Golden Army," "The Reader," "Synecdoche, New York," "Tropic Thunder" and "The Wrestler."

On Jan. 17, the 100-plus members of the AMPAS makeup branch will be invited to view 10-minute excerpts from the seven. The members will then vote to nominate three for the Oscar.

Nominations will be announced Jan. 22, with awards being presented Feb. 22 at the Kodak Theater.