The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has whittled down a field of 85 eligible films to a shortlist of 15 which will now advance to the next round of voting, looking to secure a nomination for the International Feature Oscar.
In the mix on Tuesday’s shortlist are such expected titles as Jacques Audiard’s Emilia Pérez from France, Walter Salles’ Brazilian drama I’m Still Here and Iranian filmmaker Mohammad Rasoulof’s The Seed of the Sacred Fig, which is Germany’s submission.
This marks a first for Rasoulof, who (never having represented Iran) has been living in Germany since his dramatic flight from his native country in May this year.
Also a first is the advancement of Flow, the animated fantasy adventure gives Latvia its inaugural appearance on the shortlist in this category.
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Thailand also makes history today with How to Make Millions Before Grandma Dies. The country has submitted 24 films since 1984 but has so far never advanced to the shortlist. Pat Boonnitipat’s tear-jerking comedy-drama has since became a pan-Asian box office sensation since April, grossing upwards of $70 million worldwide.
Considered a frontrunner, Audiard’s Emilia Pérez marks his second advancement to the shortlist following 2009’s A Prophet. France is one of the most nominated countries in Oscar history, but has had a recently checkered past in terms of its selections (the committee was overhauled this summer). It has not had a win since 1992’s Indochine but has made the shortlist or been nominated five times in the last decade.
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Salles’ “comeback movie” I’m Still Here is the fourth time he reps Brazil, previously scoring a nomination with Central Station. The country has never won an Oscar in this category.
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More to come on the selection today, but in the meantime, here is the International Feature Oscar shortlist:
INTERNATIONAL FEATURE FILM
Brazil, I’m Still Here
Canada, Universal Language
Czech Republic, Waves
Denmark, The Girl with the Needle
France, Emilia Pérez
Germany, The Seed of the Sacred Fig
Iceland, Touch
Ireland, Kneecap
Italy, Vermiglio
Latvia, Flow
Norway, Armand
Palestine, From Ground Zero
Senegal, Dahomey
Thailand, How to Make Millions Before Grandma Dies
United Kingdom, Santosh
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