The Los Angeles Times and Tribune Interactive today announced that they have been selected as a 2010 MOBI Awards finalist. The Times’ next generation mobile phone app is a contender in the “Best Mobile App for Editorial Content” category and is eligible to win “Best In Show.”

Presented by DIGIDAY, the MOBIs recognize outstanding efforts being made in mobile media and marketing, and their mission is to honor the groundbreaking work in multiple mobile categories, including websites, advertising, creative, agencies and marketers.

The Times’ mobile app gives users the ability to customize their news, view award-winning Los Angeles Times photo galleries and easily share stories on social media platforms and via email. Users can also read their favorite stories even when a network isn’t available.

“I’m very proud of the work our team has done and the team truly deserves this nomination,” said Jonathan Ozeran, manager/product innovation for Tribune Interactive. “When we re-designed it, we listened to what the users wanted and knew we could exceed their expectations. The feedback has been positive—getting nominated for a MOBI is an extra bonus.”

The Times’ app was launched in late June, and was created by Tribune’s Apptivate.Me unit, which develops mobile applications for Tribune’s media properties including Chicago Tribune, Los Angeles Times and WPIX-TV, as well as its advertisers and other clients. Apptivate.Me extends Tribune’s network of 33 mobile sites through multi-platform mobile app development. Working with some of the biggest brands and media entities, Apptivate.Me is quickly building an impressive portfolio of clients and is always looking for new challenges and partners.

The app is available for download through the iTunes Store and latimes.com.

The 2010 MOBI Awards Gala will be held Sept. 13 at The W Hotel, New York, where it will honor brand innovators in mobile marketing and advertising.