A whopping 67 countries have submitted films for consideration in the Foreign Language Film category at the 81st Oscars, topping last year’s record of 63 countries. Nominations for the 81st Academy Awards will be announced on Thursday, January 22, 2009, at 5:30 a.m. PT in the Academy’s Samuel Goldwyn Theater.

Academy Awards for outstanding film achievements of 2008 will be presented on Sunday, February 22, 2009, at the Kodak Theatre at Hollywood & Highland Center®, and televised live by the ABC Television Network. The Oscar presentation also will be televised live in more than 200 countries worldwide.

Here’s the Asian submissions for consideration

Bangladesh, “Aha!,” Enamul Karim Nirjhar, director

China, “Dream Weavers,” Jun Gu, director

Hong Kong, “Painted Skin,” Gordon Chan, director

India, “Taare Zameen Par,” Aamir Khan, director

Japan, “Departures,” Yojiro Takita, director

Korea, “Crossing,” Tae-kyun Kim, director

Singapore, “My Magic,” Eric Khoo, director

Taiwan, “Cape No. 7,” Te-Sheng Wei, director

Thailand, “Love of Siam,” Chookiat Sakveerakul, director

Crossing Trailer