Harry Potter in the running for Oscar

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1 has been named as one of the films which is in the running for this year's visual effects Oscar.

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences announced that it had narrowed the list for the award down to seven films, which will be cut by two more over the coming weeks.

As well as the latest Harry Potter movie, the other films in the running include Inception, Scott Pilgrim Vs the World and Tron: Legacy.

Tim Burton's Alice in Wonderland, starring Mia Wasikowska, Johnny Depp and Helena Bonham Carter, has also been nominated, alongside Hereafter and Iron Man 2.

Hereafter, which focuses on how three people are touched by death in different ways, will not be released in the UK until January 28th.

The final five nominations will be announced on January 25th, while the Academy Awards ceremony will take place on February 27 at Hollywood's Kodak Theatre.