The shortlist for the Academy Awards Foreign Language Film category surprised me for one particular reason, and that was the omission of Paul Verhoeven’s Elle. Incidentally, it is also the only film in the running that I had the opportunity to see before writing this article. So….we’re just gonna do the best we can.

Best Foreign Language Film

• A Man Called Ove
• Land of Mine
• Paradise
• The Salesman
• Toni Erdmann

Will Win: Toni Erdmann

 

This is going to be short, as I plead ignorance over this category. Toni Erdmann has more face value recognition than other films on the shortlist, so without Elle in the running it seems to be the frontrunner. A Man Called Ove was given the shortlist treatment in a different Oscar category, so it is a safe bet that it will get a nod here.

My Life as a Zucchini is an interesting case. I had never heard of this film before it took the fifth slot at the Golden Globes in the animated category. It is shortlisted here, so it could get a nomination. But what is My Life as a Zucchini? I am not even certain it will make the Best Animated Feature category. This category is a toss up at this point.

 

As always, thanks for reading!

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—Alex Brannan (@TheAlexBrannan)