Understanding the Submission and Nomination Process for Foreign Language Films in the Oscars

It is a common misinterpretation of the submission and nomination process for foreign language films in the Oscars. Many news portals confuse the terms, leading to misinformation. For instance, just a few days ago, news sites in Bosnia and Herzegovina reported that Death in Sarajevo, Danis Tanovi?'s new film, had been nominated for the Academy Award in 2017. But this is incorrect. Current Oscar guidelines state that the nomination process is yet to be finalized, and it's still too early for such claims.

What is the Submission Process?

The submission process is a critical component of the Academy Awards for foreign language films. Only one film can be submitted per country, and the film must be a production that received its principal photography within the preceding calendar year. The submission must comply with the rules and regulations set forth by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.

The submitting organization, which is typically a recognized association or committee within the country, plays a crucial role. According to the Academy rules, this organization must 'include artists and/or craftspeople from the field of motion pictures.' In Bosnia and Herzegovina, for example, the submission is made by the Association of Filmmakers of Bosnia and Herzegovina. This ensures that the film meets the high standards expected by the Oscars and that it comes from recognized professionals within the industry.

From Submission to Nomination

Once the films are submitted, they are reviewed by the Foreign Language Film Award Committee, which is composed of members of the Academy. This committee screens the films based on the quality and representativeness of the film submitted by each country. The committee then votes in a secret ballot to select the nominees. This process is outlined in detail in the Academy's rules and regulations.

It is important to note that the submission does not automatically mean a film is nominated. The nomination process is a separate and detailed evaluation by the committee members, who assess each film based on its artistic merit, originality, and cultural significance. This ensures that the films that make it to the nomination stage are those that the Academy considers to be the best representations of their respective countries' cinema.

A Closer Look at the Submission Guidelines

The submission guidelines provide detailed information on what is required for a film to be eligible. These include:

The film must be a production of the submitting country. Principal photography must have been completed within the preceding calendar year. The film must run for at least 40 minutes. Its title and synopsis must be approved by the submitting country's ministry of culture or film board.

These guidelines ensure that only high-quality and representative films are submitted and ultimately considered for nomination. The process is designed to promote film from around the world and recognize the diversity and creativity of cinema worldwide.

Conclusion

The submission and nomination process for foreign language films in the Oscars is a complex and meticulous process. It involves strict guidelines and rigorous evaluation by a dedicated committee. The terms 'submission' and 'nomination' are often confused, leading to misinformation. Understanding the true process is crucial for both filmmakers and members of the public. Through this structured process, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences ensures that the best films from around the world are recognized and celebrated.