Nikita Mikhalkov’s film Burnt by the Sun 2. The Citadel will aspire to the Oscar prize as a representative of Russia. The commission under the chairmanship of Vladimir Menshov has nominated Mikhalkov’s film for Oscar in the best foreign film category.

      Among other aspirants for the nomination from Russia Elena by Andrei Zvyagintsev and Faust by Alexander Sokurov were also considered.

      Vladimir Menshov, the Head of the Oscar Committee, refused to comment on the commission’s decision, mentioning “I haven’t crossed my t’s yet”.

      Source: gazeta.ru

      Update (22.09.2011): Vladimir Naumov, a film director and the President of the Russian Film Academy, has told the Interfax agency that the committee was going to send their decision in writing to the American Film Academy, even if the paper had no signature of Vladimir Menshov, the Head of the Oscar Committee. Naumov admitted, however, that they would have to explain the reason for the Head's signature absence.

      Source: Echo of Moscow.