WHICH CONTENDERS MIGHT GET OTHER OSCAR NOMINATIONS?
NOVEMBER 17, 2024
NOVEMBER 17, 2024
(Emilia Perez - France; Germany - The Seed of the Sacred Fig; Brazil - I'm Still Here)
Right now, with around a month to go before the list of 85 films are reduced to 15, we are predicting that the following films will be nominated for the Oscars:
BRAZIL - I'M STILL HERE
FRANCE - EMILIA PEREZ
GERMANY - THE SEED OF THE SACRED FIG
ITALY - VERMIGLIO
LATVIA - FLOW
FRANCE - EMILIA PEREZ
GERMANY - THE SEED OF THE SACRED FIG
ITALY - VERMIGLIO
LATVIA - FLOW
Emilia Perez, directed by Jacques Audiard, has emerged as a frontrunner for Best International Feature due to its unique blend of genres, timely themes, and strong international appeal. The film, described as a "musical legal drama," revolves around themes of gender transformation, which resonate with contemporary conversations about identity. Adding to its appeal, the film features an international cast including Karla Sofia Gascón, Zoe Saldana and Selena Gomez, broadening its audience reach. Critics have praised its innovative storytelling and the way it challenges traditional cinematic narratives, making it stand out in a competitive field. The film's buzz also stems from its broader Oscar campaign, with discussions positioning it as not only a contender in the International Feature category but also a potential nominee for Best Picture. This dual recognition would highlight the film's universal storytelling and artistic impact, cementing its place in the awards season conversation.
Right behind Emilia Perez is The Seed of the Sacred Fig, directed by Mohammad Rasoulof. The film explores a theocratic society's repressive mechanisms, offering a dark and chilling portrayal of authoritarianism and its psychological effects. It follows the story of Iman, a cleric grappling with personal and professional conflicts amidst anti-theocratic protests. The film's nuanced storytelling, coupled with Rasoulof's courage in making such a politically charged piece under restrictive conditions, has resonated deeply with critics and audiences alike. Debuting at Cannes, the film earned widespread acclaim, with critics praising its bold themes, meticulous direction, and the risks involved in bringing it to life in a challenging political environment. This combination of artistic merit and real-world relevance has placed it at the forefront of awards discussions.
I'm Still Here is also strong contender to win Best International Feature due to its emotionally gripping portrayal of resilience under oppression, a theme with universal resonance. Directed by Walter Salles, the film is set in 1970s Brazil during the military dictatorship and focuses on Eunice Paiva, a mother forced to protect her family and fight for justice after her husband, a congressman, is forcibly disappeared. Fernanda Torres delivers a widely praised performance, grounding the story in emotional depth and authenticity. The film has been commended for its ability to balance personal tragedy with broader political commentary, using the family's ordeal to reflect the dictatorship's devastating impact on society. Salles' direction captures the era's tension and paranoia while celebrating the strength of human resilience. Its historical and personal narrative appeals to Academy voters, particularly given its universal themes of family, loss, and resistance against authoritarianism. Moreover, its success at major festivals like Venice and widespread critical acclaim bolster its awards season momentum.
The Italian film Vermiglio, directed by Maura Delpero, has emerged as a strong contender as well due to its emotional depth, historical significance, and cinematic craftsmanship. The film, set in the remote Italian Alps during World War II, explores the lives of a family led by a local teacher and his wife, focusing on their daughters' resilience and agency amid societal upheaval. Delpero, in her second narrative feature, skillfully intertwines personal family history with a broader social commentary on war, deprivation, and gender roles. Vermiglio stands out for its meticulously detailed narrative and refusal to spoon-feed exposition, inviting viewers to engage deeply with the story. Its portrayal of ordinary lives—filled with love, loss, and survival—offers a universal appeal, enhanced by its sweeping visuals and period authenticity. The film's reception at major festivals, including winning the Silver Lion at Venice, underscores its critical acclaim.
The Latvian animated feature Flow, directed by Gints Zilbalodis, is a strong contender to win as well due to its innovative storytelling, artistic achievements, and thematic resonance. Told entirely without dialogue, Flow captivates audiences with its immersive survival story and stunning animation that combines photorealistic environments with classically styled characters. This unique blend creates a deeply emotional, universally accessible experience that resonates across cultures. The film has garnered critical acclaim, winning the Golden Athena award at the Athens International Film Festival and receiving high praise for its artistry and technical craft. It builds on Zilbalodis’ reputation following his earlier acclaimed work, Away. Additionally, Flow's wordless narrative showcases a bold and fresh approach in a category often dominated by live-action dramas, helping it stand out in a competitive awards season.
Right behind these five films we have The Girl With the Needle (Denmark), Dahomey (Senegal), Kneecap (Ireland), Universal Language (Canada) and Sujo (Mexico).
Right behind Emilia Perez is The Seed of the Sacred Fig, directed by Mohammad Rasoulof. The film explores a theocratic society's repressive mechanisms, offering a dark and chilling portrayal of authoritarianism and its psychological effects. It follows the story of Iman, a cleric grappling with personal and professional conflicts amidst anti-theocratic protests. The film's nuanced storytelling, coupled with Rasoulof's courage in making such a politically charged piece under restrictive conditions, has resonated deeply with critics and audiences alike. Debuting at Cannes, the film earned widespread acclaim, with critics praising its bold themes, meticulous direction, and the risks involved in bringing it to life in a challenging political environment. This combination of artistic merit and real-world relevance has placed it at the forefront of awards discussions.
I'm Still Here is also strong contender to win Best International Feature due to its emotionally gripping portrayal of resilience under oppression, a theme with universal resonance. Directed by Walter Salles, the film is set in 1970s Brazil during the military dictatorship and focuses on Eunice Paiva, a mother forced to protect her family and fight for justice after her husband, a congressman, is forcibly disappeared. Fernanda Torres delivers a widely praised performance, grounding the story in emotional depth and authenticity. The film has been commended for its ability to balance personal tragedy with broader political commentary, using the family's ordeal to reflect the dictatorship's devastating impact on society. Salles' direction captures the era's tension and paranoia while celebrating the strength of human resilience. Its historical and personal narrative appeals to Academy voters, particularly given its universal themes of family, loss, and resistance against authoritarianism. Moreover, its success at major festivals like Venice and widespread critical acclaim bolster its awards season momentum.
The Italian film Vermiglio, directed by Maura Delpero, has emerged as a strong contender as well due to its emotional depth, historical significance, and cinematic craftsmanship. The film, set in the remote Italian Alps during World War II, explores the lives of a family led by a local teacher and his wife, focusing on their daughters' resilience and agency amid societal upheaval. Delpero, in her second narrative feature, skillfully intertwines personal family history with a broader social commentary on war, deprivation, and gender roles. Vermiglio stands out for its meticulously detailed narrative and refusal to spoon-feed exposition, inviting viewers to engage deeply with the story. Its portrayal of ordinary lives—filled with love, loss, and survival—offers a universal appeal, enhanced by its sweeping visuals and period authenticity. The film's reception at major festivals, including winning the Silver Lion at Venice, underscores its critical acclaim.
The Latvian animated feature Flow, directed by Gints Zilbalodis, is a strong contender to win as well due to its innovative storytelling, artistic achievements, and thematic resonance. Told entirely without dialogue, Flow captivates audiences with its immersive survival story and stunning animation that combines photorealistic environments with classically styled characters. This unique blend creates a deeply emotional, universally accessible experience that resonates across cultures. The film has garnered critical acclaim, winning the Golden Athena award at the Athens International Film Festival and receiving high praise for its artistry and technical craft. It builds on Zilbalodis’ reputation following his earlier acclaimed work, Away. Additionally, Flow's wordless narrative showcases a bold and fresh approach in a category often dominated by live-action dramas, helping it stand out in a competitive awards season.
Right behind these five films we have The Girl With the Needle (Denmark), Dahomey (Senegal), Kneecap (Ireland), Universal Language (Canada) and Sujo (Mexico).
(Ireland - Kneecap; Denmark - The Girl With the Needle; Vermiglio - Italy)
In recent years, International Feature contenders have increasingly broken into other Oscar categories, reflecting the Academy's growing recognition of global cinema. Last year alone, The Zone of Interest (United Kingdom) earned nominations in four major categories: Best Picture, Best Director, Best Adapted Screenplay, and Best Sound, where it also secured a win. Meanwhile, 20 Days in Mariupol (Ukraine) claimed the Oscar for Best Documentary, with Four Daughters (Tunisia) earning a nomination in the same category. Additionally, Society of the Snow (Spain) was celebrated with a nod for Best Makeup and Hairstyling, showcasing the expansive talent of international productions across diverse cinematic disciplines.
Based on Gold Derby, the following International Feature submissions are top twenty contenders in the following categories:
BEST PICTURE:
Emilia Perez - 3rd
I'm Still Here - 18th
The Seed of the Sacred Fig - 19th
BEST DIRECTOR:
Jacques Audiard - Emilia Perez - 3rd
Mohammad Rasoulof - The Seed of the Sacred Fig - 10th
Walter Salles - I'm Still Here - 14th
BEST ACTRESS:
Karla Sofia Gascon - Emilia Perez - 2nd
Fernanda Torres - I'm Still Here - 8th
BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS:
Zoe Saldana - Emilia Perez - 1st
Selena Gomez - Emilia Perez - 7th
Fernanda Montenegro - I'm Still Here - 12th
BEST ADAPTED SCREENPLAY:
Emilia Perez - 4th
I'm Still Here - 8th
BEST ORIGINAL SCREENPLAY:
The Seed of the Sacred Fig - 9th
BEST DOCUMENTARY FEATURE:
Dahomey - 5th
BEST ANIMATED FEATURE:
Flow - 4th
BEST EDITING:
Emilia Perez - 5th
I'm Still Here - 17th
BEST CINEMATOGRAPHY:
Emilia Perez - 3rd
I'm Still Here - 18th
BEST PRODUCTION DESIGN:
Emilia Perez - 8th
I'm Still Here - 17th
BEST SCORE:
Emilia Perez - 3rd
BEST SONG:
Emilia Perez - El Mal - 1st
Emilia Perez - Mi Camino - 4th
BEST COSTUME:
Emilia Perez - 10th
I'm Still Here - 20th
BEST MAKEUP AND HAIRSTYLING:
Emilia Perez - 7th
I'm Still Here - 19th
BEST SOUND:
Emilia Perez - 4th
Based on Gold Derby, the following International Feature submissions are top twenty contenders in the following categories:
BEST PICTURE:
Emilia Perez - 3rd
I'm Still Here - 18th
The Seed of the Sacred Fig - 19th
BEST DIRECTOR:
Jacques Audiard - Emilia Perez - 3rd
Mohammad Rasoulof - The Seed of the Sacred Fig - 10th
Walter Salles - I'm Still Here - 14th
BEST ACTRESS:
Karla Sofia Gascon - Emilia Perez - 2nd
Fernanda Torres - I'm Still Here - 8th
BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS:
Zoe Saldana - Emilia Perez - 1st
Selena Gomez - Emilia Perez - 7th
Fernanda Montenegro - I'm Still Here - 12th
BEST ADAPTED SCREENPLAY:
Emilia Perez - 4th
I'm Still Here - 8th
BEST ORIGINAL SCREENPLAY:
The Seed of the Sacred Fig - 9th
BEST DOCUMENTARY FEATURE:
Dahomey - 5th
BEST ANIMATED FEATURE:
Flow - 4th
BEST EDITING:
Emilia Perez - 5th
I'm Still Here - 17th
BEST CINEMATOGRAPHY:
Emilia Perez - 3rd
I'm Still Here - 18th
BEST PRODUCTION DESIGN:
Emilia Perez - 8th
I'm Still Here - 17th
BEST SCORE:
Emilia Perez - 3rd
BEST SONG:
Emilia Perez - El Mal - 1st
Emilia Perez - Mi Camino - 4th
BEST COSTUME:
Emilia Perez - 10th
I'm Still Here - 20th
BEST MAKEUP AND HAIRSTYLING:
Emilia Perez - 7th
I'm Still Here - 19th
BEST SOUND:
Emilia Perez - 4th
(Mexico - Sujo; Canada - Universal Language; Senegal - Dahomey)
Right now, five standout international films—Emilia Perez, I'm Still Here, The Seed of the Sacred Fig, Flow, and Dahomey—are not only strong contenders for Best International Feature but also appear poised to make waves in other Oscar categories. Their extraordinary craftsmanship, innovative storytelling, and thematic resonance have sparked buzz across the industry. From technical brilliance to outstanding performances and screenplay excellence, these films represent a new era of global cinema gaining broader Academy recognition. Each of these films brings something unique to the awards conversation, highlighting the diversity of voices and perspectives within global filmmaking.
As the race evolves, these films remain at the forefront of the conversation, with their potential to disrupt traditional categories and bring fresh narratives to the Oscars. Stay tuned for more updates as we continue to track their journey through awards season.
As the race evolves, these films remain at the forefront of the conversation, with their potential to disrupt traditional categories and bring fresh narratives to the Oscars. Stay tuned for more updates as we continue to track their journey through awards season.