Best foreign language film

[Sarandon]

A Royal Affair is just gorgeous, better than A Separation imho.

[Buster]

I'm disappointed I wasn't able to squeeze in A Royal Affair at the just-wrapped AFI fest. Overheard a few people say it was the best thing they saw at the entire fest, and it also ended up winning an Auteur award there. (Nairobi Half Life also won an award, could be a surprise here.) I did catch Rust and Bone there, and it's a crime that it wasn't France's submission (I fully buy into the Weinstein influence theory). Barbara was a snoozefest, and Pieta was not good, so I'd scratch those. Heard great things about Kon-Tiki though. And keep an eye on After Lucia . Very disturbing, but oh so excellent. It would definitely get my vote.

[Atonenent.]

A Royal Affair is very well-made and features a terrific performance by Mikkel Følsgaard, so I support and predict a nomination. I also think one of both of the two European royal dramas (with Farewell My Queen) are getting into Costume Design.

[OscarsFan 2.3]

I would be shocked if "Pieta" got nominated. But then again, they did nominate "Dogtooth," so perhaps the Academy has a secret fetish for fucked up family dramas. Also, I find it a real shame Jo Min-su won't get any awards consideration.

[James]

A Royal Affair is very well-made and features a terrific performance by Mikkel Følsgaard, so I support and predict a nomination. I also think one of both of the two European royal dramas (with Farewell My Queen) are getting into Costume Design.

I'm not sure if this will break into Costume Design (I hope), but it is a possibility.

A Royal Affair is a beautiful and smart period piece. I can certainly see it getting nominated/winning here.

[Thomas]

For a country with less than 6 million citizens, it would be sensational, huge and important if the film got any nominations at all.

[nadine]

For a country with less than 6 million citizens, it would be sensational, huge and important if the film got any nominations at all.

Even though we've got a larger population (22 million) it'd be an enormous feat if Australia got a foreign language nominee - heck we got close with Samson and Delilah, but Lore has been more well-received so fingers crossed it can do it. I've been a fan of Cate Shortland since her TV work (pre-Somersault days) so I'm happy the film is being well received plus Saskia Rosendahl is going to be a huge star.

[James]

For a country with less than 6 million citizens, it would be sensational, huge and important if the film got any nominations at all.

Danish cinema is on such a high right now.

[livestockvan]

Earlier this week Weinsteins picked up Norway's 'Kon-Tiki' - if they think it has a serious shot, or worth a push then I think it's definitely in the race.

[nadine]

Earlier this week Weinsteins picked up Norway's 'Kon-Tiki' - if they think it has a serious shot, or worth a push then I think it's definitely in the race.

I'll apply guany's SPC theory that Weinsteins bought it to get it out of the race so they can push The Intouchables even more.

[Thomas]

Kon-Tiki has had rather middling reviews, even though it is Norway's most expensive movie ever.
I think they bought just because of that, but I don't think it is a horse worth betting many money on.

[Atonenent.]

Even though we've got a larger population (22 million) it'd be an enormous feat if Australia got a foreign language nominee - heck we got close with Samson and Delilah, but Lore has been more well-received so fingers crossed it can do it. I've been a fan of Cate Shortland since her TV work (pre-Somersault days) so I'm happy the film is being well received plus Saskia Rosendahl is going to be a huge star.

Rosendahl actually almost brought down the films for me. I did not find her convicing at all.

[raguabros]

I've seen

Denmark - "A Royal Affair"
France - "Intouchables"
Italy - "Caesar Must Die"
Colombia - "El Cartel de los Sapos"

The first two are getting in, the latter two have no chance in hell.

[Aurelius]

A Royal Affair was exactly the kind of middle-of-the-road costume bore that wins Oscars, so I'm pegging that for a nomination.

Does anybody know anything about Argentina's entry? Because I read a bit about it in an in-flight magazine, and it sounds rather interesting.

[MrJeffery]

for those who have seen it, does a royal affair have a shot in costume design?

[Thomas]

for those who have seen it, does a royal affair have a shot in costume design?

I'd say yes, but it depends very, very much on the campaign.

[Atonenent.]

I'd say it depends on the competition. Can't see it making it over AK, Les Miz or Lincoln, but then the obvious competition stops, so I'd say it has a great shot.

[McTeague]

I'd say it depends on the competition. Can't see it making it over AK, Les Miz or Lincoln, but then the obvious competition stops.

No:





So, it would compete for the fifth spot. The competition is Colleen Atwood for Snow White and the Huntsman and Eiko Ishioka for Mirror Mirror. Uphill, anyone?

[Atonenent.]

Yeah, Inglourious Basterds had equally showy work, in my opinion, and was snubbed. I'm not taking DU for granted her, and A Royal Affair is the Academy's favorite, royals. I'm also not counting out Farewell, My Queen. Oh yes, one of the Snow Whites is happening, as there needs to be a film with bad reviews in there. I really hope its Mirror Mirror, the costumes in there were amazing, my winner so far.

[raguabros]

for those who have seen it, does a royal affair have a shot in costume design?

Well it is a period piece and it does have some buzz, and that's what you need for a nomination in that category, see: Anonymous, Jane Eyre, W.E., The Tempest, Bright Star, etc etc.

I think one of A Royal Affair and Farewell My Queen will get in, and I've read that FMQ's costumes are showier (ARA's aren't that visually striking) but i feel Royal has more buzz than Queen, at least at this point.

My prediction

1. Anna K
2. Les Mis
3. Lincoln
4. Mirror Mirror
5. A Royal Affair

6. Snow White
7. The Hobbit

8. Farewell My Queen
9. Django
10. Argo