The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has made significant strides in recent years to make the Oscars a truly global event. These efforts have paid off particularly well this year, with eligible voters from a record-breaking 93 countries submitting ballots in the Academy Awards’ nominating round. This is a significant increase from last year’s 79 countries, reflecting a growing international interest in the prestigious film awards.
Not only did the number of countries participating in the nominating round increase, but the overall turnout for all members participating in the Oscars also broke a record. This achievement is a testament to the efforts of Academy president Janet Yang and CEO Bill Kramer, who have embraced the global nature of the film industry and worked towards making the Oscars more inclusive. In an email sent to members, Yang and Kramer expressed their excitement about the increased international participation and urged members to tune in to the nomination announcement.
One of the most exciting aspects of the Oscars’ global reach is the potential recognition for foreign-language films. Speculation is rife that among the 10 Best Picture nominees, there could be a rarity with at least two foreign-language productions. Neon’s Cannes Film Festival Palme d’Or winner “Anatomy of a Fall” and A24’s Cannes Grand Prix winner “The Zone Of Interest” are strong contenders for nominations in this category. Additionally, “The Zone Of Interest” is also expected to have a spot in the Best International Feature Film category. It is interesting to note that “Anatomy of a Fall” was passed over by France, which instead submitted another Cannes winner, “The Taste of Things.”
In recent years, the Oscar Best Director race has also reflected the global tastes of the ever-evolving Academy. Filmmakers from the international community have secured a spot in this category, further highlighting the Academy’s commitment to diversity and inclusion. We have seen notable examples such as Korea’s Bong Joon-ho, Denmark’s Thomas Vinterberg, Sweden’s Ruben Östlund, Japan’s Ryusuke Hamaguchi, Poland’s Paweł Pawlikowski, and Mexico’s Alfonso Cuarón among others. The inclusion of these talented international directors not only enriches the competition but also exemplifies the Academy’s recognition of exceptional filmmaking from around the world.
In an email addressed to Academy members, Janet Yang and Bill Kramer expressed their gratitude for the members’ participation in the voting process. They acknowledged the record-breaking number of countries that contributed ballots and highlighted the tireless work and dedication of Academy members and staff. They also reminded members of the importance of watching all films in contention before voting, emphasizing the impact their choices have on the filmmakers and the overall film community. The email concluded with a reminder that finals voting begins on February 22, urging members to continue their devotion and commitment to the Academy.
The global influence of the Oscars has been further solidified by the increased international participation in the nominating round. The record-breaking number of countries submitting ballots reflects the Academy’s successful efforts to make the Oscars a more inclusive and diverse event. With the potential recognition of foreign-language films and the continued acknowledgement of international directors, the Academy is embracing the ever-evolving nature of the film industry. As the nominations are revealed, the international impact on the Oscars will become apparent, further solidifying the importance of the global film community in this prestigious award ceremony.