Malayalam flick “2018 Everyone is a Hero” is unfortunately out of the Oscars 2024 race. The Academy of Motion Pictures and Arts on December 22nd announced the shortlisted films in ten categories for the upcoming 96th ceremony. The movie was sent in the category of Best International Movie.
Oppenheimer, directed by Christopher Nolan, Greta Gerwig’s Barbie, and Killers of the Flower Moon directed by Martin Scorsese dominated in various categories. India still has chances to go further in the race as – To Kill a Tiger, a documentary, directed by Nisha Pahuja, based on the Jharkhand gang rape has been shortlisted in the best documentary category. The final nominations will be announced on January 23rd
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Shortlisted movies for Best International Movie
A total of 15 films have been shortlisted for the next round. The list includes-
- The Monk and the Gun (Bhutan)
- “Society of the Snow” (Spain)
- “Four Daughters” (Tunisia)
- “Godland” (Iceland)
- “The Zone of Interest” (United Kingdom)
- “20 Days in Mariupol” (Ukraine)
- “The Teachers’ Lounge” (Germany)
- “Amerikatsi” (Armenia)
- “Perfect Days” (Japan)
- “Fallen Leaves” (Finland)
- “Io Capitano” (Italy)
- “The Mother of All Lies” (Morocco)
- “Totem” (Mexico)
- “The Promised Land” (Denmark)
- “The Taste of Things” (France)
In 2022, Chhello Show, a Gujarati film directed by Pan Nalin was shortlisted but failed to bag a nomination. Lagaan, directed by Ashutosh Gowariker, in 2001 was the last film from India to reach the top five in this category. Earlier, films like Jallikattu (2019), Adaminte Makan Abu ( 2011) Guru ( 1997 ) were India’s official entries but none got nominated for the award.
Note from 2018’s Director
The director, Jade Anthony took to his Instagram handle and wrote a heartfelt note after the results were announced. In his note, he apologized to all his well-wishers and supporters for disappointing them. He expressed his gratitude for making his film the highest-grossing Malayalam movie and for being the official Indian entry to the Oscars. He expressed that this is a rare achievement in any filmmaker’s career. Towards the end, he thanked God for choosing him for this extraordinary journey.
Previous Indian Recognitions at the Oscars
In 2023, India bagged two Oscars – Naatu Naatu from RRR for Best Original Song and The Elephant Whispers for Best Documentary Short Subjects. Bhanu Athaiya was the first Indian to win an Oscar for best costume design for Gandhi. In 1992, Satyajit Ray won a lifetime achievement award. India had a glorious run in 2009 with Slumdog Millionaire bagging three awards: Best Original Score for AR Rahman, Best Original Song for Jai Ho, and Best Sound Mixing for Resul Pookutty.
About Oscars
Started in 1929, the Academy Awards is a prestigious award as it’s the oldest entertainment awards presented annually by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Science for awarded for Excellence in the American and the International Film Industry.
The awards are given in various categories like Best Actor, Best Actress, Best Picture, Best International Feature Film, and Best Original Screenplay to name a few.
About 2018
The film is a survival drama based on the Kerala floods that occurred in 2018. The devasting floods caused chaos and massive destruction in the state and is said to be the worst floods to have hit Kerala in nearly a century. Directed by Jude Anthony, the film captures the moments of fear and helplessness the citizens felt. It brilliantly captures the camaraderie the citizens displayed at the time of need.
The budget of the movie was just 26 crores and it was a massive hit and collected a total of 177 crores. The film stars Tovino Thomas, Asif Ali, Vineeth Sreenivasan, Kunchacko, Narain and Lal. It is presented by Kavya Film Company and PK Prime Productions.
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