THE CURRENT STATE OF THE RACE AND THE POTENTIAL SHORTLISTED FILMS
NOVEMBER 26, 2024
NOVEMBER 26, 2024
(Belgium - Julie Keeps Quiet; Costa Rica - Memories of a Burning Body; Mexico - Sujo)
With roughly 20 days before the list of 85 films are reduced down to 15, we right now feel that the following films will be shortlisted on December 17th:
BELGIUM - JULIE KEEPS QUIET
BRAZIL - I'M STILL HERE
CANADA - UNIVERSAL LANGUAGE
COSTA RICA - MEMORIES OF A BURNING BODY
DENMARK - THE GIRL WITH THE NEEDLE
FRANCE - EMILIA PEREZ
GERMANY - THE SEED OF THE SACRED FIG
IRELAND - KNEECAP
ITALY - VERMIGLIO
LATVIA - FLOW
MEXICO - SUJO
NORWAY - ARMAND
SENEGAL - DAHOMEY
THAILAND - HOW TO MAKE MILLIONS BEFORE GRANDMA DIES
UNITED KINGDOM - SANTOSH
BRAZIL - I'M STILL HERE
CANADA - UNIVERSAL LANGUAGE
COSTA RICA - MEMORIES OF A BURNING BODY
DENMARK - THE GIRL WITH THE NEEDLE
FRANCE - EMILIA PEREZ
GERMANY - THE SEED OF THE SACRED FIG
IRELAND - KNEECAP
ITALY - VERMIGLIO
LATVIA - FLOW
MEXICO - SUJO
NORWAY - ARMAND
SENEGAL - DAHOMEY
THAILAND - HOW TO MAKE MILLIONS BEFORE GRANDMA DIES
UNITED KINGDOM - SANTOSH
This category is notoriously challenging to predict when it comes to the shortlist. Last year, we accurately predicted 13 out of the 15 selected films. Movies that premiere at major festivals like Cannes, Venice, Sundance, Berlin, and Toronto often have an edge in securing a spot in the final 15. However, there are always unexpected gems that manage to slip under the radar and surprise everyone.
We’ve now had the chance to watch the majority of this year’s submissions, giving us a unique opportunity to experience these films ahead of most of the public. The Academy members are currently diving into these selections as well. Based on what we’ve seen, here are the top ten films we believe have a strong shot at making the shortlist and surprising critics. These are some of the finest entries this year—exceptional works that are undoubtedly serious contenders in the race.
We’ve now had the chance to watch the majority of this year’s submissions, giving us a unique opportunity to experience these films ahead of most of the public. The Academy members are currently diving into these selections as well. Based on what we’ve seen, here are the top ten films we believe have a strong shot at making the shortlist and surprising critics. These are some of the finest entries this year—exceptional works that are undoubtedly serious contenders in the race.
BAURYNA SALU (KAZAKHSTAN)
Bauryna Salu, the directorial debut of Kazakh filmmaker Ashkat Kuchinchirekov, is a deeply moving and visually stunning exploration of tradition, family, and identity. Drawing from his own childhood experiences, Kuchinchirekov presents a sensitive portrayal of 12-year-old Yersultan, a boy raised by his grandmother in a rural Kazakh village, who is forced to return to his estranged parents after her death. The film captures the emotional complexities of Yersultan’s journey with remarkable nuance, offering both a poignant coming-of-age story and a subtle critique of the Kazakh tradition of bauryna salu, in which newborns are given to relatives to raise.
The film immerses the viewer in the harsh yet beautiful world of rural Kazakhstan. The cinematography is breathtaking, with long, patient shots that highlight the rugged landscapes and everyday life in the village. The contrast between the warm, earthy tones of Yersultan’s life with his grandmother and the cold, desolate blues of winter after her death serves as a powerful visual metaphor for the boy's emotional journey. Kuchinchirekov's decision to avoid romanticizing the rural setting lends the film an authenticity that enhances its emotional impact.
For more information, please click HERE.
The film immerses the viewer in the harsh yet beautiful world of rural Kazakhstan. The cinematography is breathtaking, with long, patient shots that highlight the rugged landscapes and everyday life in the village. The contrast between the warm, earthy tones of Yersultan’s life with his grandmother and the cold, desolate blues of winter after her death serves as a powerful visual metaphor for the boy's emotional journey. Kuchinchirekov's decision to avoid romanticizing the rural setting lends the film an authenticity that enhances its emotional impact.
For more information, please click HERE.
ABANG ADIK (MALAYSIA)
Jin Ong’s Abang Adik is a powerful exploration of brotherhood and survival, set against the gritty backdrop of Kuala Lumpur’s Pasar Pudu district. With its evocative storytelling and raw, emotional performances, this neo-realist drama transcends clichés to deliver a profound message about identity, resilience, and the human spirit. Anchored by the dynamic performances of Wu Kang-ren and Jack Tan, Abang Adik is a deeply affecting debut feature that boldly tackles themes of statelessness and inequality while celebrating the strength of familial bonds.
At the heart of the film is the touching relationship between Abang, a hardworking and deaf-mute meatcutter, and his younger, free-spirited brother, Adik. Their contrasting personalities—Abang’s quiet determination and Adik’s rebellious streak—create a compelling dynamic that is both heartwarming and heart-wrenching. Through tender moments, such as their playful ritual of cracking hard-boiled eggs on each other's heads, and their deeply personal conversations in sign language and words, Ong paints a vivid picture of their mutual dependence and unwavering love. It is this bond that gives the film its emotional core, as the brothers navigate a world that constantly tests their resilience.
For more information, please click HERE.
At the heart of the film is the touching relationship between Abang, a hardworking and deaf-mute meatcutter, and his younger, free-spirited brother, Adik. Their contrasting personalities—Abang’s quiet determination and Adik’s rebellious streak—create a compelling dynamic that is both heartwarming and heart-wrenching. Through tender moments, such as their playful ritual of cracking hard-boiled eggs on each other's heads, and their deeply personal conversations in sign language and words, Ong paints a vivid picture of their mutual dependence and unwavering love. It is this bond that gives the film its emotional core, as the brothers navigate a world that constantly tests their resilience.
For more information, please click HERE.
THE DEVIL'S BATH (AUSTRIA)
The Devil’s Bath is a gripping and intense film that dives deeply into the psychological and societal struggles of the 18th century. By exploring the themes of depression and the extreme measures people took in response to it, the film offers a haunting reflection on historical attitudes towards mental health and religious beliefs. The film offers a thought-provoking and unsettling exploration of a young woman's tragic journey through isolation, societal pressure, and existential despair.
The Devil’s Bath takes place around 1750. Amongst the forests and lakes in rural Upper Austria, people live in tight-knit communities where they work together, dance together, laugh together and die together. The film follows a young woman named Agnes who just got married to Wolf. She is enamoured to her religion, and the environment around her: the blooming nature, the hazy insects, the tart berries. She’s wide-eyed, naive and full of affection, eager to adapt to the ways of her new husband, and anxiously dreaming of becoming pregnant and becoming a mother. She is ready to embark on her new life.
For more information, please click HERE.
The Devil’s Bath takes place around 1750. Amongst the forests and lakes in rural Upper Austria, people live in tight-knit communities where they work together, dance together, laugh together and die together. The film follows a young woman named Agnes who just got married to Wolf. She is enamoured to her religion, and the environment around her: the blooming nature, the hazy insects, the tart berries. She’s wide-eyed, naive and full of affection, eager to adapt to the ways of her new husband, and anxiously dreaming of becoming pregnant and becoming a mother. She is ready to embark on her new life.
For more information, please click HERE.
MEMORY LANE (NETHERLANDS)
Memory Lane, directed by Jelle de Jonge, is a touching and melancholic exploration of aging, memory, and the rekindling of lost passions. The story revolves around Jaap, a 70-year-old man stuck in the routine of a seemingly stagnant life, and his wife Maartje, who is facing the early stages of dementia. Their lives take a turn when the couple decides to embark on a trip to Spain to say a final goodbye to an old friend. This journey becomes not just a physical one but an emotional and psychological odyssey that confronts both characters with their fears, regrets, and hopes.
At the heart of the film is the dynamic between Jaap and Maartje. Their relationship, which has grown quiet and stagnant over the years, is portrayed with subtlety and nuance. The film portrays an older couple struggling with time, illness, and the weight of unspoken truths. Martin van Waardenberg’s performance as Jaap is deeply layered, showing a man who has retreated from life, unwilling to accept both the changes in his wife’s health and in his own sense of purpose. Leny Breederveld, as Maartje, brings a quiet grace to her role, portraying the devastating effects of dementia with sensitivity. Together, they create a portrait of a long marriage that has weathered many storms but is now facing its toughest challenge.
For more information, please click HERE.
At the heart of the film is the dynamic between Jaap and Maartje. Their relationship, which has grown quiet and stagnant over the years, is portrayed with subtlety and nuance. The film portrays an older couple struggling with time, illness, and the weight of unspoken truths. Martin van Waardenberg’s performance as Jaap is deeply layered, showing a man who has retreated from life, unwilling to accept both the changes in his wife’s health and in his own sense of purpose. Leny Breederveld, as Maartje, brings a quiet grace to her role, portraying the devastating effects of dementia with sensitivity. Together, they create a portrait of a long marriage that has weathered many storms but is now facing its toughest challenge.
For more information, please click HERE.
THREE KILOMETRES TO THE END OF THE WORLD (ROMANIA)
Three Kilometres to the End of the World is a harrowing exploration of repression and denial in a remote Romanian village, masterfully directed by Emanuel Pârvu. The film delves deep into a tense environment where a closeted gay teen, Adi, struggles against societal and familial expectations.
The film begins with two men, a local 17-year-old, and a visiting tourist from Bucharest. Their tender interaction sets a tone of intimacy and connection that is soon shattered by violence. When Adi returns home, his face and body are severely bruised with swelling after a brutal attack. He decides to be silent about the details of the assault. His father, a fisherman burdened by debt to the local gangster Zentov, and his deeply religious mother, both believe that the attack is a warning related to their financial troubles. They have no idea that their son is gay.
For more information, please click HERE.
The film begins with two men, a local 17-year-old, and a visiting tourist from Bucharest. Their tender interaction sets a tone of intimacy and connection that is soon shattered by violence. When Adi returns home, his face and body are severely bruised with swelling after a brutal attack. He decides to be silent about the details of the assault. His father, a fisherman burdened by debt to the local gangster Zentov, and his deeply religious mother, both believe that the attack is a warning related to their financial troubles. They have no idea that their son is gay.
For more information, please click HERE.
COME CLOSER (ISRAEL)
Come Closer, Tom Nesher’s fearless feature debut, is a stunning exploration of grief, identity, and unexpected intimacy that resonates deeply, drawing the audience into a web of raw emotion and haunting allure. Led by a breakout performance from Lia Elalouf as Eden, the film takes us on a turbulent journey through loss, anger, and healing. Nesher crafts a compelling narrative where the boundaries between friendship, attraction, and obsession blur, offering a portrayal of mourning that is as unorthodox as it is profound. The movie’s nuanced storytelling keeps viewers on edge, questioning the true motivations of its characters at every turn.
Elalouf shines as Eden, a Tel Aviv It Girl whose carefree life is upended by the sudden death of her younger brother, Nati. With her magnetic screen presence and ability to convey complex, conflicting emotions, Elalouf embodies Eden's pain and confusion, creating a character both captivating and flawed. Her portrayal is strikingly human; she makes Eden’s impulsive and often reckless behavior understandable, even when it’s uncomfortable to watch. Opposite her, Darya Rosenn’s understated performance as Maya, Nati’s secret girlfriend, brings a sense of vulnerability and quiet strength, complementing Elalouf's intensity. Together, they deliver some of the most compelling on-screen chemistry in recent memory, anchoring the story’s emotional core.
For more information, please click HERE.
Elalouf shines as Eden, a Tel Aviv It Girl whose carefree life is upended by the sudden death of her younger brother, Nati. With her magnetic screen presence and ability to convey complex, conflicting emotions, Elalouf embodies Eden's pain and confusion, creating a character both captivating and flawed. Her portrayal is strikingly human; she makes Eden’s impulsive and often reckless behavior understandable, even when it’s uncomfortable to watch. Opposite her, Darya Rosenn’s understated performance as Maya, Nati’s secret girlfriend, brings a sense of vulnerability and quiet strength, complementing Elalouf's intensity. Together, they deliver some of the most compelling on-screen chemistry in recent memory, anchoring the story’s emotional core.
For more information, please click HERE.
THE LAST JOURNEY (SWEDEN)
The Last Journey is a beautifully crafted and emotionally resonant documentary that captures a heartfelt and humorous road trip across Europe. Filmmakers Filip Hammar and Fredrik Wikingsson take audiences on a journey with Filip's elderly father, Lars, in an effort to rekindle his zest for life. With a mix of nostalgia, comedy, and gentle reflections on aging, this Swedish film delves into the challenges of caring for an aging parent while reconnecting with cherished family traditions. This life-affirming documentary is a celebration of love, memory, and the significance of family bonds, creating a deeply relatable experience.
At the heart of The Last Journey is the charming Lars Hammar, a retired French teacher whose love for French culture defined his life and career. Known for his vibrant teaching style, Lars once inspired generations of students by bringing Gallic traditions into the classroom. Yet after retirement, he finds himself unmotivated and weary, facing the melancholy that often comes with aging. Filip’s decision to take his father on a journey to Beaulieu-sur-Mer, their family’s favorite holiday spot on the French Riviera, unlocks memories and brings Lars back to his passions, revealing his humor and wisdom in moments of vulnerability.
For more information, please click HERE.
At the heart of The Last Journey is the charming Lars Hammar, a retired French teacher whose love for French culture defined his life and career. Known for his vibrant teaching style, Lars once inspired generations of students by bringing Gallic traditions into the classroom. Yet after retirement, he finds himself unmotivated and weary, facing the melancholy that often comes with aging. Filip’s decision to take his father on a journey to Beaulieu-sur-Mer, their family’s favorite holiday spot on the French Riviera, unlocks memories and brings Lars back to his passions, revealing his humor and wisdom in moments of vulnerability.
For more information, please click HERE.
WAVES (CZECHIA)
Waves, Jiří Mádl’s latest directorial effort, is a powerful and emotionally compelling drama set against the backdrop of the Prague Spring, a turbulent period in Czechoslovakia’s history. The film brilliantly captures the era's tension, focusing on the personal struggles of two orphaned brothers, Tomáš and Pavel, as they navigate the political oppression of the time. Mádl’s skillful direction, coupled with a gripping script, makes Waves a standout piece in contemporary Czech cinema, blending personal and political stories with remarkable finesse.
The heart of Waves lies in its exploration of the moral dilemmas faced by ordinary people under an oppressive regime. Tomáš, played with quiet intensity by Vojtěch Vodochodský, is thrust into a world of political intrigue when he inadvertently becomes involved with a group of brave journalists defying state censorship. The emotional core of the film is his relationship with his younger brother Pavel, played by Ondřej Stupka, whose idealism and youthful energy contrast with Tomáš’s burden of responsibility. This dynamic is beautifully portrayed, drawing the audience into their personal stakes amidst the larger struggle for freedom.
For more information, please click HERE.
The heart of Waves lies in its exploration of the moral dilemmas faced by ordinary people under an oppressive regime. Tomáš, played with quiet intensity by Vojtěch Vodochodský, is thrust into a world of political intrigue when he inadvertently becomes involved with a group of brave journalists defying state censorship. The emotional core of the film is his relationship with his younger brother Pavel, played by Ondřej Stupka, whose idealism and youthful energy contrast with Tomáš’s burden of responsibility. This dynamic is beautifully portrayed, drawing the audience into their personal stakes amidst the larger struggle for freedom.
For more information, please click HERE.
MEETING WITH POL POT (CAMBODIA)
Rithy Panh’s Meeting With Pol Pot is an evocative, meticulously crafted historical drama that captures the unsettling reality of Cambodia under the Khmer Rouge through the experiences of three French journalists in 1978. Based on Elizabeth Becker’s seminal account, When The War Was Over, Panh fictionalizes the journey of these journalists, who are lured by the promise of an interview with Pol Pot. What unfolds is both a tense political thriller and a poignant exploration of propaganda, ideology, and the price of truth. Panh's film is a powerful reminder of cinema’s ability to reveal dark chapters in history while honoring the individuals who risked everything to uncover them.
Irene Jacob, Grégoire Colin, and Cyril Guei deliver outstanding performances as the fictionalized reporters, Lisa Delbo, Alain Cariou, and Paul Thomas, each representing a unique viewpoint in their pursuit of the truth. Jacob’s portrayal of Delbo is marked by curiosity and moral clarity, while Colin’s Alain, with ties to Pol Pot’s inner circle, embodies the complexity of political sympathy and complicity. Guei’s Thomas, a tenacious photographer, brings a grounded realism to the story, reflecting the ethical struggles of those who witnessed the Khmer Rouge’s atrocities firsthand. Together, the trio forms a compelling ensemble, depicting the tensions that arise between self-preservation and a commitment to truth.
For more information, please click HERE.
Irene Jacob, Grégoire Colin, and Cyril Guei deliver outstanding performances as the fictionalized reporters, Lisa Delbo, Alain Cariou, and Paul Thomas, each representing a unique viewpoint in their pursuit of the truth. Jacob’s portrayal of Delbo is marked by curiosity and moral clarity, while Colin’s Alain, with ties to Pol Pot’s inner circle, embodies the complexity of political sympathy and complicity. Guei’s Thomas, a tenacious photographer, brings a grounded realism to the story, reflecting the ethical struggles of those who witnessed the Khmer Rouge’s atrocities firsthand. Together, the trio forms a compelling ensemble, depicting the tensions that arise between self-preservation and a commitment to truth.
For more information, please click HERE.
LIFE (TURKEY)
Zeki Demirkubuz’s Life is a masterful cinematic meditation on the complexities of human relationships, tradition, and the quest for self-discovery. With its sprawling runtime of 193 minutes, the film offers a deeply immersive experience that rewards patient viewers with profound emotional and intellectual insights. Through the lives of its two protagonists, Riza and Hicran, Demirkubuz crafts a narrative that is as intricate as it is universal, delving into themes of love, obsession, and the societal structures that shape us.
The performances are a standout feature of Life, with Burak Dakak delivering a career-defining portrayal of Riza. He masterfully conveys the inner turmoil of a man grappling with his insecurities and societal expectations. Miray Daner, as the enigmatic Hicran, brings depth and mystery to her role, making her both a symbol of defiance and a fully fleshed-out character. Their interactions, though sparse, carry an emotional weight that lingers long after the credits roll. The supporting cast, particularly Riza’s grandfather and Hicran’s father, add layers of complexity to the story, embodying the tension between tradition and personal freedom.
For more information, please click HERE.
The performances are a standout feature of Life, with Burak Dakak delivering a career-defining portrayal of Riza. He masterfully conveys the inner turmoil of a man grappling with his insecurities and societal expectations. Miray Daner, as the enigmatic Hicran, brings depth and mystery to her role, making her both a symbol of defiance and a fully fleshed-out character. Their interactions, though sparse, carry an emotional weight that lingers long after the credits roll. The supporting cast, particularly Riza’s grandfather and Hicran’s father, add layers of complexity to the story, embodying the tension between tradition and personal freedom.
For more information, please click HERE.