How non-English language cinema is altering the Oscars landscape
Film history scholar says its recent rise in recognition is attributed to industry demographic shifts
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A few days ago, 'Oppenheimer' won big at the Oscars. And then there was the French language film 'Anatomy of a Fall' that won the Oscars for Best Original Screenplay. Associate Professor of Film Studies at Miami University, Kerry Hegarty, writes for the Conversation, "How non-English language cinema is reshaping the Oscars landscape".
She says that international films are increasingly influencing the Oscars. Three non-English language films were nominated for Best Picture this year, a shift from the past when such recognition was rare. Kerry explains how demographic changes and Hollywood's global reach contribute to this evolution.
Why it matters
Understanding the rise of non-English language films at the Oscars reflects shifting demographics and industry dynamics. It highlights a broader recognition of diverse cinematic voices and challenges the notion of Hollywood as the sole arbiter of film excellence, Kerry says in her article.
That's cinema!
In 2020, the South Korean film “Parasite” became the first non-English language film to win both Best International Feature Film – formerly known as Best Foreign Language Film – and Best Picture. Director Bong Joon-Ho also won the award for best director that year. Accompanied by an interpreter, he gave his acceptance speech in Korean…
During the 2019 Oscars, Mexican director Alfonso Cuarón – introduced in Spanish by actor Javier Bardem – accepted the Academy Award for what was then still called Best Foreign Language Film for his film “Roma.” During his speech, he joked that he had grown up “watching foreign language films and learning so much from them. … Films like ‘Citizen Kane,’ ‘Jaws,’ ‘Rashomon,’ ‘The Godfather’ and ‘Breathless.’”
Core point!
Historically, Hollywood's global dominance hindered recognition of foreign films, but recent shifts in demographics and industry dynamics have led to increased acknowledgement. The rise of art film movements outside the US, coupled with institutional support in other countries, revitalizes cinema and challenges Hollywood norms.
"Streaming distribution has also democratized access to non-English language cinema, which was previously limited only to niche audiences in art house theaters in large cities."
In a nutshell
As non-English language films gain prominence at the Oscars, the film industry embraces diversity and expands cinematic horizons, reflecting a more inclusive and globally conscious approach to storytelling. The future of film is shaped by those who embrace diverse perspectives and advocate for a universal language of cinema.
We encourage readers to dive into Kerry’s piece for a more in-depth version here.
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