I analyze the Oscar surprises and snubs for animation and VFX in my TOH column at Indiewire. Who would’ve guessed that both Chico & Rita and A Cat in Paris are in and both Cars 2 and Tintin are out? Meanwhile, Rango starts a one-week reissue at the ArcLight Hollywood and the nominated shorts will screen theatrically on Feb. 10.

ShortsHD working with Magnolia Pictures will release The Oscar Nominated Short Films 2012 in more than 200 theaters across the US and Canada. Three theatrical programs will give audiences around the country an opportunity to watch the nominated shorts in the animation, live action and documentary categories prior to the 84th Academy Awards ceremony on Feb. 26th. This year will mark the second theatrical outing for the nominated documentary shorts, after an enthusiastic reception from audiences for last year’s inaugural run.

The Oscar Nominated Short Films has become a key fixture of the awards season. Last year, the theatrical release broke all records, grossing more than $1,350,000 nationwide and playing in significantly more theaters than in previous years. Since the inception of the program in 2005, attendance has grown by 800%.

Along with the theatrical run, the nominated short films will be released individually on iTunesfrom Feb. 21st in the US, Canada, UK, France, Germany and other iTunes Stores throughout the world. The release will also be available via cable’s Movies On Demand (MOD), distributed by leading MOD distributor, iN DEMAND L.L.C. and will be available via Comcast, Time Warner Cable, Brighthouse, Cablevision, and Cox Communication.