Friday, December 21, 2012

2013 Oscars Foreign Film Shortlist


Earlier today, the shortlist for the Foreign Language Film category of the 85th Academy Awards was announced.

Nine films were selected from the full list of seventy-one entries.

Since the current format was introduced in 2007, 34 countries have made it to the shortlist. Canada (6) has made the most appearances; followed by Denmark, France, Germany, and Israel (4); then Austria and Mexico (3).

Iceland - The Deep (Djúpið)
Baltasar Kormákur [Icelandic]
From this list, the five final nominees will be selected and announced alongside the rest of the Oscar nominations on January 10, 2013.

Only one real surprise here, and that's Iceland. A film I haven't seen or heard much about, but look forward to catching up with, as the director has made some very solid films in the past.

Very happy about the inclusion of Beyond the Hills, though I can't see it making it through to the final five.

My biggest disappointment would have to be the lack of Germany's Barbara; one of my favorite films of the past year.

Also interesting to note that 4 of these films are in French.

Which films should have been selected? Which one's don't belong?
     

20 comments:

Bondo said...

I've seen none of these films, though I am seeing A Royal Affair this weekend. I always feel behind when it comes to foreign films because they so rarely get screened in cinema here and DVD releases are unpredictable.

Edgar said...

That's why living in Europe is so cool. You are able to see any kind of film you want.

kapu s prabhakara said...

Europe produces some of the finest cinema. Cinema started in europe and that explains. Most of the talent from europe moved to usa in the forties, so america reigned in the forties and fifties. but cinema is back home in europe.for quality cinema it will always be europe.

d_4 said...

I like having heard of some of these already (thank you!) and I'm kinda weirded out with The Intouchables on there. I saw it and I enjoyed it, but I never would've really imagined it getting a serious run for the Oscars.

Maybe I'm giving them too much credit.

Bonjour Tristesse said...

Where are you from Bondo?

Bonjour Tristesse said...

It's true, most of the time you guys get to see these films sooner than we do. But if you live in, or close enough to a big city in North America then it's not too difficult to find these types of films to watch.

Bonjour Tristesse said...

I think today you can find quality cinema in any region of the world that has a stable society, and even some less stable ones. But I agree, Europe has a long standing tradition of great cinema, and the majority of films that I watch and appreciate come from there.

Bonjour Tristesse said...

Yeah, it's no award winning film for sure. I'd say it's only there because it has the benefit of being backed by the Weinstein Company. The same reason The Artist won all the awards last year.

tgooderson said...

I'd be surprised to see anything beat Amour. It's in my top three of the year and a true masterpiece. It would be nice if the Oscars lenghtened the shortlist for this category to shine some light on lesser known films.

Lisa Thatcher said...

I'm sorry to see the giant hole Holy Motors has left in this list, but I am glad to see Amour there, and it gets my vote after HM. The more I think about Amour, the more I love it. I can't wait to see it again in the cinema. Haneke is such a brilliant film maker. He wins me over more and more the more I watch his (and others) films.

365 moviesandsongs365 said...

I'm rooting for The Intouchables, even though you don't think its an award winning film. Could we see it in a tight oscar race with Amour, maybe? Who knows, I've only seen 3 of the 9 so far

Bonjour Tristesse said...

I hope you are right, even if I don't think it's a masterpiece, I still want Haneke to win it.

Bonjour Tristesse said...

Sadly most of my favorites are missing or ineligible, but realistically, Holy Motors wouldn't have stood a chance in the voting. Personally I'd be happy if either Mungiu or Haneke win, but going by the demographic of the Academy voters, I'd say it's going to be a close call between Amour and Intouchables.

Bonjour Tristesse said...

Yeah considering who's doing the voting (the academy is 77% male, 94% white with a median age of 62) both those films have protagonists they will easily relate to. It will be close I think.

Christine said...

Interesting list. I've heard really good things about A Royal Affair but I loved War Witch and The Intouchables (and Barbara).

Bonjour Tristesse said...

Yeah I won't ever be convinced that Intouchables belongs in it, but it's actually not a bad list overall.



Anyhow, it's nice to hear from you Christine. Are you still actively blogging?

Iffsy said...

I'm also disappointed that Barbara and Holy motors are not on the list and even more surprised that Kon-Tiki made it to the final 9. I'd be happy if Beyond the hills or Amour wins, but I doubt it.

Christine Utterberg said...

Yes, but not through my website anymore. I'm now on Tumblr. Films: http://films-period.tumblr.com/. Photos: http://christineutterberg.tumblr.com/. Hope to see you there!

Bonjour Tristesse said...

Cool. I will bookmark and follow your various adventures.

Bonjour Tristesse said...

Welcome back Iffsy. Yeah, after seeing it, I'm not sure how Kon-Tiki made the cut either. They must have a very good marketing team.


I too would be happy if either Mungiu or Haneke win, but at this point I just hope they make the final 5.

Post a Comment