As the anticipation for the 96th Academy Awards builds, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has unveiled shortlists in 10 categories, bringing both disappointment and triumph for international cinema. Notably, India’s official entry for 2018, the Malayalam blockbuster “2018,” directed by Jude Anthany Joseph, failed to secure a spot among the final 15 films in the International Feature Film category.
The survival drama, depicting the devastating floods that struck Kerala in 2018, featured a stellar cast including Tovino Thomas, Kunchacko Boban, Asif Ali, Vineeth Sreenivasan, Narain, and Lal. Despite its critical acclaim, “2018” did not make the cut, leaving cinephiles and fans disheartened.
The films that have made it to the final 15 in the International Feature Film category include “Amerikatsi” (Armenia), “The Monk and the Gun” (Bhutan), “The Promised Land” (Denmark), “Fallen Leaves” (Finland), “The Taste of Things” (France), “The Teachers’ Lounge” (Germany), “Godland” (Iceland), “Io Capitano” (Italy), “Perfect Days” (Japan), “Totem” (Mexico), “The Mother of All Lies” (Morocco), “Society of the Snow” (Spain), “Four Daughters” (Tunisia), “20 Days in Mariupol” (Ukraine), and “The Zone of Interest” (United Kingdom).
However, there is a glimmer of hope in the Documentary Feature category for India, as “To Kill a Tiger,” a film based on the Jharkhand gangrape case and directed by Toronto-based filmmaker Nisha Pahuja, has secured a place on the shortlist.
It’s essential to note that being shortlisted is a significant accomplishment, but it does not guarantee a final nomination. The official nominations for the Academy Awards will be announced on January 23, adding an element of suspense to the global cinematic landscape.
The Oscars 2024 shortlists extend beyond the International Feature Film and Documentary Feature categories, encompassing Documentary Short Film, Makeup and Hairstyling, Music (Original Score), Music (Original Song), Animated Short Film, Live Action Short Film, and Sound and Visual Effects. The competition is fierce, with international blockbusters such as “Barbie,” “Oppenheimer,” “Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse,” and “Napoleon” earning nominations in multiple categories. The journey to the Oscars continues, promising an exciting showcase of cinematic excellence come March 10, 2024, at Los Angeles’ Dolby Theatre.
