What is the Best International Feature category?
The Best International Feature category, formerly known as the Best Foreign Language Film category, is an award presented annually at the Academy Awards to a feature-length film produced outside the United States with a predominantly non-English dialogue track. This category was first introduced at the 29th Academy Awards in 1956, with the inaugural winner being the Italian film “La Strada” directed by Federico Fellini.
How are films nominated for the Best International Feature award?
Each country is invited to submit one film to represent their country in the Best International Feature category. The film must have been released in the country of origin between October 1 of the previous year and September 30 of the current year. A special committee appointed by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences then reviews all the submissions and selects a shortlist of films to be considered for nomination.
What criteria are used to judge films in the Best International Feature category?
Films in the Best International Feature category are judged based on a variety of criteria, including artistic merit, storytelling, direction, acting, cinematography, and overall impact. The films are also evaluated based on their cultural authenticity and representation of the country they represent. The selection committee looks for films that not only showcase the talent of the filmmakers but also provide insight into the culture and society of the country of origin.
How is the winner of the Best International Feature award determined?
Once the nominations for the Best International Feature category are announced, all Academy members are eligible to vote for the winner. The film with the most votes is declared the winner of the award. The winner is then announced during the live broadcast of the Academy Awards ceremony, and the filmmakers are invited on stage to accept the award.
What are some notable winners of the Best International Feature award?
Over the years, the Best International Feature category has recognized some of the most acclaimed and influential films from around the world. Some notable winners include “Parasite” from South Korea, directed by Bong Joon-ho, which made history by becoming the first non-English language film to win the Best Picture award in addition to the Best International Feature award. Other notable winners include “Roma” from Mexico, directed by Alfonso Cuarón, and “A Separation” from Iran, directed by Asghar Farhadi.
How has the Best International Feature category evolved over the years?
The Best International Feature category has evolved over the years to reflect the changing landscape of global cinema. In 2019, the category was renamed from Best Foreign Language Film to Best International Feature to be more inclusive of films that may not necessarily be in a foreign language but are still produced outside the United States. The category has also seen an increase in diversity and representation, with films from a wider range of countries and cultures being recognized for their artistic achievements. The Best International Feature category continues to be a platform for celebrating the rich diversity of world cinema and honoring the talent of filmmakers from around the globe.