Oscar Race Heats Up! 14 Films Vie for Glory – Who Will Win?

The Oscar race for Best International Feature Film is officially ON! Deadline's Contenders Film: International event kicks off today, showcasing a diverse and compelling slate of 14 films vying for a coveted nomination. Knowing the Academy, we're likely in for some surprises. This category consistently delivers, and the 2025 competition looks exceptionally promising.

Oscar Race Heats Up! 14 Films Vie for Glory – Who ...

This year's field is particularly noteworthy, boasting several directorial debuts. One that's already generating buzz is Diego Céspedes’ Chilean entry, "The Mysterious Gaze of the Flamingos." And in a sign of the ever-expanding global reach of cinema, two countries are entering the Oscar fray for the very first time, adding fresh perspectives to the mix. Unfortunately, the press release didn't specify *which* countries are newcomers, which is a detail I'd love to know!

The virtual panel, which begins at 9 a.m. PT, will feature insightful discussions with the filmmakers and actors behind these international gems. Among the highlights, Agnieszka Holland, a seasoned director, represents Poland with "Franz," a biographical portrait of Czech writer Franz Kafka. This promises to be a fascinating exploration of the writer's surreal world and its influence on our language.

Switzerland throws its hat in the ring with "Late Shift" by Petra Volpe, a gripping, real-time study of a nurse pushed to her breaking point. This sounds incredibly intense and relevant to the pressures many healthcare workers face. Meanwhile, Iraq's "President's Cake," directed by Hasan Hadi, transports us to the 1990s with a drama centered on a young girl forced to celebrate Saddam Hussein's birthday – a stark reminder of the human cost of political regimes.

"Father," by Tereza Nvotová from Slovakia, tackles a horrifying scenario – a parent accidentally leaving their infant in a hot car. That's a story that's sure to resonate, unfortunately, with many parents. Shai Carmeli-Pollak's "The Sea" represents Israel, telling the story of a young Palestinian boy navigating a hostile environment to reach the sea. And from Argentina comes "Belén," a powerful political drama directed by and starring Dolores Fonzi, which tackles a miscarriage and wrongful imprisonment.

The full schedule and list of panelists is impressive (see above!). This is an incredible opportunity to hear directly from the creative minds shaping international cinema and gain deeper insights into their films. It's times like these I love being a film journalist!

The Best International Feature Film category consistently challenges audiences to expand their horizons and engage with stories from different cultures. With such a strong lineup, this year's Contenders Film: International event is a must-watch for anyone interested in global cinema and the art of storytelling.