'Artist,' 'Tomboy,' 'War' chase Louis-Delluc

PARIS -- Michel Hazanavicius' "The Artist," Celine Sciamma's "Tomboy" and Valerie Donzelli's "Declaration of War" are among the nine pics set to compete for the Louis-Delluc award. Headed by Cannes Film Festival's prexy Gilles Jacob, the jury comprises about 20 critics and film journos. As is often the case, the lineup features many films that bowed at Cannes in the Official Selection, notably "The Artist," Aki Kaurismaki's "Le Havre," Bertrand Bonello's "House of Tolerance," Pierre Schoeller's "The Minister," Bruno Dumont's "Outside Satan" and Alain Cavalier's "Pater." "War" played in Directors' Fortnight. However, Maiwenn's "Polisse," which nabbed Cannes' jury prize, surprisingly didn't make it onto the list. Teddy Lussi-Modeste's "Jimmy Riviere" and "17 Girls," helmed by Muriel Coulin and Delphine Coulin, will vie for the first film nod, along with three other pics. The award was created in 1937 in homage to film journalist Louis Delluc. Winners will be announced at a ceremony in Paris on Dec. 16. Contact the Variety newsroom at news@variety.com