The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has narrowed the competition for this year's VFX Oscar to include just 10 films. The selected films will proceed to the Academy's VFX bake-off, slated for Saturday, January 10, less than a week before the final Oscar nominations are announced on January 15.

What's the front-runner? Maybe Interstellar. Not only do its VFX look great, but many voting members of the Academy may have experienced them under the best possible conditions — a 4K, 70mm, or IMAX screening. Still, the presentations at the bake-off will count for something, as the films' VFX supervisors break down the type of work and innovation required to get their directors' visions on screen.

What's missing? The Amazing Spider-Man 2, Noah, Exodus: Gods and Kings, or Lucy may have remained in contention if only this year's shortlist went to 11.

Captain America: The Winter Soldier
Dawn of the Planet of the Apes
Godzilla
Guardians of the Galaxy
The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies
Interstellar
Maleficent
Night at the Museum: Secret of the Tomb
Transformers: Age of Extinction
X-Men: Days of Future Past

The 2015 Oscars will be held Sunday, February 22, 2015 at the Dolby Theatre at Hollywood & Highland Center in Hollywood.