MUMBAI: As the Oscar awards presentation ceremony, that is to be held on February 26 is approaching fast, four films have emerged as the front runners to lap up the coveted best picture trophy.

Among them are the black-and-white silent film The Artist, the Deep South drama The Help, George Clooney‘s family tale The Descendants and Steven Spielberg‘s World War I epic War Horse.
 
Till last Tuesday, organizers mailed ballots to 5,783 voting members of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. Ballots are to be sent back by January 13 while the nominations will be announced on January 24.

The Oscar ceremony will have Billy Crystal returning as host for the first time in eight years.