Three films "Rogue One: A Star Wars Story," "Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them," and "The Jungle Book" are touted to be the top contenders for the 2016 Visual Effects (VFX) Oscar. There are 17 other films listed vying for the same prize.

On February 26, 2017, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS) will hold the 89^th Academy Awards ceremony at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood, Los Angeles.  As known to the whole world, the Oscars are awarded to honor the best films of 2016.

One of the most prestigious awards to be given is the Best Visual Effects Oscar (VFX) the winner of which, judging from the number contenders and the quality of VFX they represent, will be difficult to predict.  According to Variety, twenty films have been mentioned by the Academy to qualify for the race.

The Academy has tasked the Visual Effects Branch Executive Committee to trim down to list to ten films.  Nominations for the VFX Oscar will be chosen from the list and announced on by January 24, 2017. 

True Viral News reports that aside from the three leading contenders, other films mentioned among the twenty are Steven Spielberg"s "BFG", which was handled by five-time winner Joe Letteri. And Clint Eastwood's "Sully", which some say could be a surprise nominee. Also included is "Kubo and the Two Strings," which employed digital wizardry and stop-motion techniques to deserve notice.

"Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them" has good chances since the Harry Potter series upon which the film is based has an excellent record of three nominations out of eight films produced.  The Oscars are so prestigious that just being nominated is already a great honor.

As expected, "Rouge One: A Star Wars Story" is a solid contender since the previous "Star Wars: The Force Awakens" also got the nomination. Two listed films have not yet opened, "Rogue One" which opens on December 16 and "Passengers," set on December 21.