63 films qualify for foreign Oscar category

The animated film ‘‘Persepolis,’’ from France, Denys Arcand’s ‘‘Days of Darkness’’ from Canada, Johnnie To’s ‘‘Exiled’’ from Hong Kong and Cristian Mungiu’s Palm d’Or winner ‘‘4 Months, 3 Weeks and 2 Days’’ are among the 63 films that have qualified for Oscar consideration in the Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences’ foreign language film category.

The record number of 63 entries include first-time submissions from Azerbaijan (Farid Gumbatov’s ‘‘Caucasia’’) and Ireland (Tom Collins’ ‘‘Kings’’).

Nominations for the 80th Academy Awards will be announced Jan. 22, and the Oscars will be handed out Feb. 24.

The Hollywood Reporter