97th Academy Awards Shortlist Announced
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has unveiled the shortlist for the 97th Academy Awards, featuring a diverse array of films across multiple categories. The nominations highlight significant works in the realms of international cinema, documentaries, and various technical achievements. Among the categories included are Best International Feature Film, Best Documentary Feature, Best Animated Feature, and Best Original Score, among others.
Best International Feature Film Highlights
In the Best International Feature Film category, 15 films were selected from a pool of 85 entries. Notably, Palestine is represented by "Palestine, From Ground Zero," a poignant collection of short films shot in Gaza during the recent conflict that began in October 2023. Directed by Rashid Masharawi, this film showcases the talents of various Palestinian filmmakers. Other notable entries include "The Seed of the Sacred Fig" from Iran, "I'm Still Here" from Brazil, and "Emilia Pérez" from France, demonstrating a rich tapestry of global storytelling.
Feature Documentary Film Category
The shortlist for Best Feature Documentary includes 15 films selected from 169 submissions, addressing pressing political, social, and humanitarian issues. Among these, "No Other Land" documents the ongoing displacement of Palestinians in the West Bank, while "The Bibi Files" explores corruption allegations against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Other significant films include "Porcelain War," which highlights the resilience of Ukrainian artists amidst conflict, and "Black Box Diaries," which sheds light on Japan's judicial system through the lens of sexual assault.
Other Categories and Noteworthy Films
In addition to the international and documentary categories, the shortlist features films competing for Best Short Narrative Film, Best Makeup and Hairstyling, and Best Original Song, among others. The Best Original Song category includes tracks from films like "Better Man" and "Mufasa: The Lion King."
The awards ceremony is set to take place on March 2, 2025, promising to celebrate the artistic achievements of filmmakers from around the world.
