- IFC Films and Neon are competing to have one of their films selected as France’s official submission to the Oscars for the international feature film category.
- Neon is pushing “Anatomy of a Fall,” which won the Palme d’Or at Cannes, while IFC is advocating for “The Taste of Things” from French-Vietnamese filmmaker Trần Anh Hùn, who won the director prize at Cannes.
- Both films have strong credentials, making it a tough decision for France.
- The selection process is further complicated by new Academy Awards rules requiring selection committees to comprise at least 50% filmmakers.
- France has submitted 67 films for Oscar consideration but hasn’t won since 1992.
The contention between the two films, “Anatomy of a Fall” and “The Taste of Things,” as France’s official submission to the Oscars for the international feature film prize is due to several factors:
First of all, both films have strong credentials that make them competitive choices. “Anatomy of a Fall” won the prestigious Palme d’Or at the Cannes Film Festival, while “The Taste of Things” received recognition with its director, Trần Anh Hùn, winning the director prize at Cannes.
“Anatomy of a Fall” generated significant buzz and sold out all its screenings at the Telluride program, indicating a strong reception among audiences. “The Taste of Things” also garnered attention, despite not being initially announced as part of the festival’s slate.
The decision on France’s Oscar submission is significant because it could impact the film’s chances at the 95th Academy Awards. France has a history of success at the Oscars, with numerous nominations and wins, and the country is hoping to break a 30-year drought since its last win.
The choice also carries added significance as it comes at a time when gender equality in the film industry is under scrutiny. In the past, France chose “Titane,” directed by Julia Ducournau, who became the first solo woman director to win the Palme. However, “Titane” faced challenges in the Oscar race, leading to discussions about gender representation.
Moreover both films are receiving strategic campaigns to position themselves as the stronger choice. “Anatomy of a Fall” is getting a full For Your Consideration (FYC) push, and “The Taste of Things” boasts the familiarity of acclaimed actress Juliette Binoche, offering strong performances and potential nominations.
In summary, the contention for France’s official Oscar submission is driven by the desire to choose the film with the best chances of success at the 95th Academy Awards, considering their festival performances, historical significance, and campaign strategies.
In “Anatomy of a Fall”, a woman is suspected of her husband’s murder, and their blind son faces a moral dilemma as the sole witness.
“The Taste of Things” is a remarkable film set in late 19th-century France.
The relationship between Eugenie, an esteemed cook, and Dodin, the gourmet she has been working for over the last 20 years. Growing fonder of one another, their bond turns into a romance and gives rise to delicious dishes that impress even the world’s most illustrious chefs. When Dodin is faced with Eugenie’s reluctance to commit to him, he decides to start cooking for her.
Which one is your favorite?