The list of submissions for the Best Foreign Language Film Oscar has been fairly short on widely-known auteur names thus far, so expect a lot of awards-watchers to zero in on Alejandro González Iñárritu’s “Biutiful,” which has just been announced as Mexico’s official entry in the race.
As with “Pan’s Labyrinth” four years ago, the country has opted for a high-profile Spanish co-production — set and filmed in Barcelona with a Spanish cast — with the Cannes seal of approval.
Given its name appeal, and the likely accompanying push for star Javier Bardem in the Best Actor category, many might see “Biutiful” as a slam-dunk for a nomination, but I remain less sure. (Even if Bardem does pull through, it could still miss in the foreign race — see “Volver” in 2006.) The film is a relentlessly downbeat and occasionally inscrutable slog that has so far inspired as much critical scorn as admiration — it won’t enjoy the same hip cache that helped Iñárritu to a nomination here 10 years ago for the more universally liked “Amores Perros.”
Nonetheless, if they can get past the grimness, the film’s solemn heft and showy star turn could count for a lot with some voters in that branch. Perhaps I’d be less guarded if I hadn’t been so disappointed by the film upon its divisive Cannes debut. (Kris wasn’t a huge fan at Telluride, either.) I’m interested to see which way this falls.
Meanwhile, I can more wholeheartedly cheer the selection made by the Czech Republic: “Kawasaki’s Rose,” a thoughtful, intricately structured family drama meshing questions of personal and political fidelity. I saw (and briefly discussed) the film at the Berlinale back in February and have been expecting it to crop up in this race ever since; indeed, it’s been in my predicted five since I first stuck my neck out a few months ago. The Czechs haven’t found their way into this category since 2003, but Jan Hrebejk’s film is the kind of quiet, upscale, socially aware work that could impress the branch’s older members.
Check out the updated list of submissions (now up to 46 titles) here.
[Photo: Roadside Attractions]
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12 responses to “‘Biutiful’ enters foreign Oscar race”
I never saw “Amores Perros,” but I loved “Babel” and “21 Grams,” so I’m still looking forward to this. Inarritu should have won Best Director of those nominees in 2006.
Ahhh… “Amores Perros.” Now THAT’s a good film.
Also, are there any rumors or hints as to what Italy is going to choose? I saw a trailer for “The Sicilian Girl” tonight when I was at the cinema to see “Lebanon” (the Israeli film that won the Golden Lion last year) and it got me wondering what Italy would choose.
Guy, I saw this movie at Telluride (it had a packed theater and an awesome standing ovation!) and I was absolutely blown away by it. Iñarritu has been working with the same Mexican team he started with 10 years ago on Amorres Perros. You can see how far he has come from there. He is obviously well loved by his country. How can you be so blind to the underling message of hope?!? I hope people judge for themselves and look beyond this narrow review.
I had no idea this movie was in Spanish.
It is really the only logical choice, I suppose. This led me to look up fellow Mexican director Carlos Reygadas. When is that guy going to make another film? With del Toro and Cuarón moving on to America, for the most part, I miss Mexico’s mini-Golden Age.
MovieMan: See “Amores Perros” pronto. It blows his other films out the water. I just can’t agree with Ronald that he has “come far” from there… he’s spent the past decade trying to regain that level of control.
McAllister: I am told that Italy will announce their selection tomorrow, from a 10-film shortlist that includes “I Am Love,” “Our Life,” “The Double Hour” and “Loose Cannons,” to name just the ones I’ve seen. (There’s also a new Gabriele Muccino.) No “Sicilian Girl.”
My money would be on them choosing “Our Life” — which tied with “Biutiful” for the Best Actor prize at Cannes this year. It’s not very good, but it’s earnest and self-important in the way that usually wins out in these matters.
It’ll never win. Favorites never do in the foreign category.
Tambien la lluvia (Even The Rain) will represent Spain, upsetting Celda 211.
based on imdb, even the rain won’t be released until january 2011. is it eligible?
Hey Guy,
The Spanish Academy has just announced that Icíar Bollaín’s “También la lluvia” (Even the Rain) is the country’s official submission for the Oscars. The two other finalists were “Celda 211” (which won the Best Picture Goya) and “Lope”.
There’s some controversy involving the Academy’s decision. Since “Even the Rain” is scheduled to be released on January 7, apparently they are doing what they call a “technical release” this week in order to qualify for the Oscars. It is also worth noting that Icíar Bollaín is the Academy’s vice-president.
Thanks for keeping me updated, guys.