US movie fans are being offered the chance to download Oscar-nominated short films from iTunes.
The Oscar-nominated short films include Our Time Is Up
Film buffs have traditionally had little chance to view short films that are up for Hollywood's biggest awards.
But now all five nominees for the live action short film award have been put on iTunes for $1.99 (£1.13) each.
Made by some of the world's most promising new film-makers, they range from 15 to 27 minutes long. They are currently only available to US users.
The nominated shorts include Our Time is Up, a US film about a therapist who finds out he has six weeks to live, and UK entry Cashback, about a supermarket night shift worker whose imagination runs wild.
The other nominees are from Germany, Ireland and Iceland.
"Up until now, people had very little access to see Academy short nominations before the Academy ceremony," said Eamonn Bowles, president of film distribution company Magnolia Pictures.
"Distribution initiatives like these are exciting to be involved with and we are glad to have the opportunity to showcase these fantastic films."
UK short film Cashback is also up for an Oscar
Carter Pilcher, chief executive of short film company Shorts International, said: "These are the hottest films on the coolest distribution platform.
"We are calling it a private screening that everyone is invited to."
UK fans can catch the nominees for best live action short film and best animated short film at special screenings at selected cinemas on Saturday and Sunday.
The Oscars ceremony takes place in Hollywood on Sunday.