France is making headlines with its selection of Jacques Audiard’s Spanish-language musical film, *Emilia Pérez*, as its contender for the Best International Feature Film at the 97th Academy Awards. The film features Karla Sofía Gascón in the lead role of Emilia, a narcotics cartel leader. In a daring twist, Emilia orchestrates her death with the help of an undervalued lawyer named Rita, played by the talented Zoë Saldaña, allowing her to assume a more genuine life. This narrative of identity and rebirth has generated excitement, particularly following its successful premiere at the Cannes Film Festival, where it not only won a collective Best Actress award for its four leading ladies, including Selena Gomez and Adriana Paz, but also secured the prestigious jury prize.
Audiard’s latest film stands out not only due to its compelling storyline but also through the rich performances delivered by its cast. This selection comes at a time when France is determined to revitalize its standing in the international film community, especially at America’s most coveted cinema event. By choosing *Emilia Pérez*, France hopes to showcase the diversity and creativity present in its filmmaking scene.
This year, France’s selection committee underwent a significant transformation to ensure a wider range of expertise and perspectives. The newly assembled group features prominent industry figures, including sales agents, distributors, and award-winning directors like Audrey Diwan, whose film, *Happening*, captured the Golden Lion at Venice. The revamped committee represents a collective experience aimed at revitalizing the French Oscar selection process, which has been perceived as stagnant over the past three decades.
The decision-making process for *Emilia Pérez* was intense, arising from a shortlist of four films. Competitors included *The Count of Monte Cristo*, directed by Alexandre de La Patellière and Matthieu Delaporte, Indian drama *All We Imagine as Light* by Payal Kapadia, and *Misericordia* from Alain Guiraudie. The selection process not only involved film screenings but also discussions with the films’ sales agents, highlighting the committee’s thorough evaluation of the pool of talent available to them.
Significantly, Netflix has emerged as a heavyweight supporter of the awards campaign for *Emilia Pérez*, acquiring U.S. distribution rights shortly after the film’s Cannes debut. This backing is crucial, as Netflix has a proven track record in orchestrating award campaigns with skill and depth. With a planned limited release in U.S. theaters leading up to its November 13 launch on the streaming platform, there is a strategic motivation to build momentum. This kind of support is vital for a film seeking recognition in the competitive arena of international cinema.
The collaboration with Why Not Productions and Audiard’s Page 114 provides *Emilia Pérez* with substantial production credentials. Moreover, The Veterans spearheaded international sales, successfully negotiating the deal with CAA Media Finance, demonstrating a strategic approach toward achieving distribution and visibility. This synergy of creative and commercial forces positions *Emilia Pérez* well in its quest for Oscar glory.
After almost 30 years since France last claimed the Oscar for Best International Feature Film with Régis Wargnier’s *Indochine* in 1993, the selection committee is keen on ending this lengthy dry spell. The unexpected choice of *The Taste of Things* last year generated controversy, as it won over Justine Triet’s critically acclaimed *Anatomy of a Fall*. The aftermath left many questioning the committee’s decision-making processes—calling for a sharper focus on films that resonate deeply with international audiences.
As *Emilia Pérez* steps into the spotlight, the decision to submit this film symbolizes an earnest attempt by France to reconnect with its cinematic roots and elevate its international standing. With an invigorated selection committee and a compelling film at its helm, France looks to transform its Oscar narrative and embrace the global platforms that cinema has to offer. The journey ahead for *Emilia Pérez* not only highlights the potential for artistic exploration but serves as an opportunity to reignite a passion for storytelling in the face of cultural challenges.
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