France Shortlists Four Films for International Feature Film Oscar Submission

Cannes-Premiering Quartet Makes the Cut

Cannes-premiering quartet Emilia Pérez, French box office hit The Count Of Monte Cristo, Misericordia and All We Imagine as Light have made the shortlist for France’s international feature film Oscar submission.

The four films were selected by a recently revamped 11-member selection committee appointed by France’s cultural minister Rachida Dati per a recommendation from national film body CNC, which announced the selection on Wednesday evening.

Former head of Cannes’ Critics’ Week Charles Tesson presides over the selectors, who include producers Patrick Wachsberger, David Thion and Nadim Cheikhroua, sales agents Carole Baraton of Charades and Kinology’s Gregoire Melin, filmmakers Audrey Diwan and Florian Zeller, producer and distributor Rosalie Varda, actress Clémence Poesy, and author-producer and Michèle Halberstadt of ARP Selection.

The committee will reconvene on September 18 to meet with each film’s producers, international sales representatives and US distributors before announcing its final choice of submission as the country endeavuors to win its first award in the category since 1993.

Notable Films

Jacques Audiard’s Mexico-set musical Emilia Pérez won both the Cannes Jury prize for director Audiard and a shared best actress award for its female cast comprising Karla Sofía Gascón, Selena Gomez, Zoe Saldana and Adriana Paz.

The primarily Spanish-language musical drama produced by Why Not Productions and Page 114 is about a Mexican drug lord who decides to become a woman, leaving his family behind and starting a new life.

The Count Of Monte Cristo, directed by Alexandre de La Patellière and Matthieu Delaporte and produced by Chapter 2 and Pathé Films, is based on Alexandre Dumas’ epic adventure novel and has been a box office smash in France, where it has sold some eight million tickets since its June 28 debut after premiering out of competition in Cannes. Samuel Goldwyn Films is the US distributor.

Payal Kapadia’s India-set co-production All We Imagine As Light became the first Indian film to screen in Cannes Competition in 30 years and won the grand prix.

Sideshow and Janus Films are also releasing Alain Guiraudie’s Misericordia, another Cannes premiere that has been doing the rounds on the festival circuit since with stops in Telluride and Toronto, with New York up next.

Academy Announcement

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences will unveil its 15-film shortlist for the best international feature film category on December 17. The five nominees will be announced on January 17, 2025.

Conclusion

France has a rich history of producing high-quality films that have resonated with audiences around the world. The shortlisting of these four films is a testament to the country’s continued commitment to excellence in filmmaking.

FAQs

Q: What is the selection committee for France’s international feature film Oscar submission?
A: The selection committee is comprised of 11 members, including former head of Cannes’ Critics’ Week Charles Tesson, producers, sales agents, filmmakers, and actress Clémence Poesy.

Q: How many films have been shortlisted for France’s international feature film Oscar submission?
A: Four films have been shortlisted: Emilia Pérez, The Count Of Monte Cristo, Misericordia, and All We Imagine as Light.

Q: When will the Academy announce its shortlist for the best international feature film category?
A: The Academy will unveil its 15-film shortlist on December 17, with the five nominees announced on January 17, 2025.