In case you missed the memo, the category formerly known as Foreign Language Film is now more aptly referred to as International Film. Granted, over 50% of the film still needs to be in a language other than English, but it’s a much more politically correct title. Additionally, AMPAS has expanded the shortlist from nine to 10 titles. Whether that helps any specific contender remains to be seen as the International Film committee still only has three “saves” to the list. The other seven will still be determined by popular vote in the first round and despite AMPAS recruiting more participants it still tends to be members with a lot of time on their hands (and sometimes questionable taste). Bong Joon Ho‘s “Parasite” and Pedro Almodovar’s “Pain and Glory” are pretty much locks to earn a nomination (and if neither do it will be one of the biggest snubs in Oscar history). Ladj Ly’s “Les Miserables” should also make the cut, but the other two slots? Honestly a toss-up at this point. [Published Oct. 3]
LIKELY SHORTLIST
“Parasite” (South Korea)
“Pain and Glory” (Spain)
“Les Miserables” (France)
“Invisible Life” (Brazil)
“The Whistlers” (Romania)
“Atlantique” (Senegal)
“The Traitor” (Italy)
“Beanpole” (Russia)
“Out Stealing Horses” (Norway)
“Monos” (Columbia)
POTENTIAL PLAYERS
“It Must Be Heaven” (Palestine)
“And Then We Danced” (Sweden)
“The Chambermaid” (Mexico)
“Buoyancy” (Australia)
“System Crasher” (Germany)
“The Painted Bird” (Czech Republic)
“Corpus Christi” (Poland)
More Oscar predictions
Best Picture
Best Actor
Best Actress
Best Supporting Actor
Best Supporting Actress
Best Director
