The French culture ministry recently revealed the members of the new committee responsible for selecting the French films to compete in the best international film category at the Oscars. This move comes after France experienced a prolonged Oscar drought, with only four out of the last ten French international submissions making the final shortlist, and none securing a win.
The committee, as announced by French culture minister Rima Abdul Malak, comprises esteemed industry professionals such as Patrick Wachsberger, an Oscar-winning producer and former executive at Lionsgate and Summit Entertainment. Alexandre Desplat, a two-time Oscar-winning composer known for his work on films like “The Shape of Water,” will also serve on the committee. Accomplished directors Olivier Assayas, known for “Personal Shopper,” and Mounia Meddour, known for “Papicha,” will bring their expertise to the selection process as well.
Representing the film industry, Tanja Meissner, the head of sales and acquisitions at Memento Films International, and Sabine Chemaly from Europa International, will also participate in the decision-making process. Their insights and experience will contribute to determining which French films are submitted to the U.S. Academy for consideration.
France has decided to revamp its nomination process in response to the country’s struggle to secure Oscar wins. The nation has not received the prestigious award for Best International Film since Régis Wargnier’s “Indochine” in 1993. Out of the past ten submissions, only “Mustang” by Deniz Gamze Ergüven in 2015 and “Les Misérables” by Ladj Ly in 2019 received nominations, but neither emerged as a winner.
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One criticism of the old nomination process was its heavy emphasis on French films that premiered at the Cannes Film Festival. To address this issue, the new committee made the bold decision to select Julia Ducournau’s controversial Palme d’Or winner, “Titane,” over Audrey Diwan’s Venice Golden Lion winner, “Happening.” This decision sparked discussions but drew attention to the need for a change in the system.
Comprised of seven members, the nomination committee will hold two meetings, with two non-voting observers present: the President of the French Film Board, CNC, and the President of international film promotion body Unifrance. Their aim is to select a shortlist of 3-5 potential contenders by September 13. Later, on September 21, the committee will meet with producers, sales companies, and, if necessary, the U.S. distributors of each film to make their final decision.
National nominees must be submitted to the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences by October 2. The Academy will then announce the films on the 2024 Oscar shortlist on December 21. Finally, the five nominees for Best International Film will be revealed on January 23, 2024. The 95th Oscars will take place on March 10, 2024, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles.
With the formation of the new committee, France aims to elevate its chances of securing an Oscar win in the international film category. By incorporating a diverse group of industry professionals and improving the nomination process, France hopes to showcase its vibrant and exceptional filmmaking talent on the global stage.
