[Houmatt]

The only categories where you need submission is Best Foriegn Film and Best Documentary. Everything else is up to the whims of the Academy.

Then explain the campaigns studios create at the end of every year to get their films nominated.

I am sure you have seen them: FOR YOUR CONSIDERATION. That is the route Moore took. He took a gamble, and lost, fortunately for America.

[Borges]

Those are ads and nothing more. Reminding people to see your movie and possibly vote for you. Mel Gibson didn't do a single one and still got 3 noms for his film.