The race for the International Feature Oscar just got more exciting as the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences unveiled a shortlist of 15 contenders from a field of 85 eligible films. This year’s selection is peppered with historic firsts and expected entrants, raising anticipation for the final nominations.
Among the notable entries, Jacques Audiard’s ‘Emilia Pérez’ from France, Walter Salles’ Brazilian drama ‘I’m Still Here’, and the Iranian filmmaker Mohammad Rasoulof’s ‘The Seed of the Sacred Fig’ for Germany stand out. Audiard marks his return to this path following his previous shortlisting with ‘A Prophet’ in 2009, placing France in a position to potentially shake off its recent mixed track record in this category.
Germany’s entry, ‘The Seed of the Sacred Fig’, is particularly poignant as Rasoulof, a celebrated filmmaker, had to flee Iran dramatically earlier this year. His representation of Germany signals not only a personal triumph but also broadens the narrative scope of the shortlist with its rich storytelling.
In a historic move, Latvia and Thailand make their first appearances on this prestigious list. Latvia’s animated fantasy adventure ‘Flow’ marks a breakthrough for the Baltic nation. Similarly, Thailand’s ‘How to Make Millions Before Grandma Dies’, a comedy-drama that has captivated audiences across Asia, breaking box office records with a remarkable earnings of over $70 million, brings new flavor to the competition.
Brazil is represented by ‘I’m Still Here’, marking the fourth time Salles has stepped up for his country. The nation has yet to clinch a win in this category, adding a layer of intrigue to its nomination possibilities. Meanwhile, France, a heavyweight in international cinema, continues to strive for a win since its last triumph in 1992 with ‘Indochine’.
The shortlist paints a diverse and compelling picture of global cinema, reflecting both new voices and seasoned directors. Among others in the race are entries from Canada, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Norway, Palestine, Senegal, and the United Kingdom, each bringing their unique cultural narratives to the table.
With the International Feature shortlist now in play, anticipation builds as filmmakers and audiences alike look forward to the next round of voting. This year’s diverse selection not only highlights storytelling prowess but also the global reach of cinema, promising a thrilling Oscar race ahead.
Source: Yahoo
