International Feature Film Oscar Shortlist: Which Movies Have a Chance This Year?
Oscar Contenders for Best International Feature Announced for 98th Academy Awards
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences is set to reveal the shortlist of 15 films competing for the Best International Feature Film nomination on December 16. A total of 86 countries have submitted entries, highlighting a competitive field this year filled with both established favorites and emerging contenders.
As usual, the category promises a rich array of storytelling from diverse global perspectives. These films include award-winning entries from major festivals, as well as local box office successes.
Here’s a preview of some potential nominees, listed alphabetically:
‘2000 Meters to Andriivka’ (Ukraine)
Director: Mstyslav Chernov
Distributor: Frontline/PBS/Associated Press
This documentary chronicles the harrowing efforts of Ukrainian soldiers to reclaim a village occupied by Russian forces. The film takes the viewer deep into the heart of a counteroffensive, following a journalist as he witnesses the daunting mission.
Director’s Comment: “I keep the perspective very narrow [in the film] — just in that forest… There is a certain claustrophobic feeling when you’re stuck in that strip of trees that are cut by shrapnel and bombs. And I think this is a metaphor for [the] entire war.”
Key Festivals/Awards: Premiered at Sundance, winning the Directing award for World Cinema Documentary, and has since gained acclaim at multiple festivals including Doc Aviv and the Gotham Awards.
‘Familia’ (Italy)
Director: Francesco Costabile
Distributor: Breaking Glass Pictures
This biographical drama is based on Luigi Celeste’s memoir detailing his youth as a far-right militant amid domestic violence.
Director’s Comment: “With Familia, I wanted to find a theme that was more universal because this kind of culture of violence transcends all kinds of social classes.”
Key Festivals/Awards: Premiered in Venice’s Orizzonti sidebar, where Francesco Gheghi won Best Actor.
‘Homebound’ (India)
Director: Neeraj Ghaywan
Distributor: Netflix
Set in a northern Indian village, this film follows two friends preparing for the national police exam as their aspirations collide with disillusionment.
Director’s Comment: “Homebound started with this op-ed essay in The New York Times… I wanted to use that as a base friendship… What motivates migrants to leave their homes?”
Key Festivals/Awards: Premiered in the Un Certain Regard section at Cannes.
‘It Was Just an Accident’ (France)
Director: Jafar Panahi
Distributor: Neon
This narrative revolves around a man seeking revenge against his alleged torturer, leading to a tense and psychological spiral.
Director’s Comment: “In cinema, we still have been able to find a way to make films with all the limitations… Is the cycle of violence going to continue, or is it coming to an end?”
Key Festivals/Awards: Won the Palme d’Or at Cannes and multiple accolades at various international festivals.
‘Kokuho’ (Japan)
Director: Lee Sang-il
Distributor: GKids
In this story, a young boy navigates life under the influence of a renowned kabuki actor after the death of his yakuza father.
Director’s Comment: “It’s true that for kabuki, even in Japan, it’s been 80 years since a movie has had kabuki as the theme.”
Key Festivals/Awards: Premiered in Cannes’ Directors’ Fortnight.
Additional Films
Several other films are in contention, including ‘The Last Dance’ (Hong Kong), ‘Left-Handed Girl’ (Taiwan), and ‘The Love That Remains’ (Iceland). Each film captures unique narratives and themes relevant to their respective cultures and societal issues.
Special Mentions: Films such as Arcadia (Greece), Franz (Poland), and The Sea (Israel) also showcase compelling stories worthy of attention.
As the awards ceremony approaches, the conversations around these films will undoubtedly grow, reflecting the continued importance of international storytelling in cinema.
