James Bulger film to remain in Oscar contention despite protest by mother

"Detainment", a short film based on the murder of British toddler James Bulger, will remain in the Oscar race despite a huge uproar in the UK.

The film, directed Vincent Lambe, came under fire after it received an Academy Award nomination in the Best Live Action Short Film category.

Denise Fergus, mother of Bulger, who was mercilessly tortured and killed by two 10-year-old boys -- Jon Venables and Robert Thompson -- in 1993, blasted the film, which she said, was made without their permission.

She demanded that its Oscar nomination should be rescinded.

In a statement, obtained by The Independent, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS) said the film was chosen in the top five by the members by applying their "own judgement" on the film's merits and therefore it will remain in contention for Oscar.

"We are deeply moved and saddened by the loss that they have endured, and we take their concerns very seriously. Following long-standing foundational principles established to maintain the integrity of the awards, the Academy does not in any way influence the voting process," the Academy said.

"Detainment was voted on by Academy members. When making their choices, each individual applies their own judgment regarding the films' creative, artistic and technical merits. We understand that this will not alleviate the pain experienced by the family," it added.

The Academy further said that it has a "neutral role in the voting process."