The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS) has released the list of 301 feature films eligible for Oscars, with Indian films “RRR”, “Gangubai Kathiawadi”, “The Kashmir Files” and “Kantara” among others. The reminder list includes films that may officially compete in various categories, but mere inclusion on the list does not guarantee that a film will advance to the final nominations for the Academy Awards to be announced on January 24.
India’s official Oscar entry, Paan Nalin’s “Chhelo Show” (“Last Film Show”), Vivek Agnihotri’s “The Kashmir Files”, Marathi title “Mee Vasantrao” and “Tujh Saathi Kahi Hi”, R Madhavan also in the list. is included. “Rocketry: The Nambi Effect”, “Iravin Nijhal” and the Kannada film “Vikrant Rona”.
Sharing his excitement over the same, filmmaker Vivek Agnihotri tweeted, “BIG ANNOUNCEMENT: #TheKashmirFiles has been selected in @TheAcademy’s first list for #Oscars2023. It’s one of 5 films from India. I love all of them.” I wish you the best of luck.” Great year for Indian cinema.”
He added, “Pallavi Joshi, Mithun Chakraborty, Darshan Kumar, Anupam Peekhar have all been selected for the Best Actor categories. This is just the beginning. Long road ahead. Please bless them all.”
Rishabh Shetty took to Twitter to thank fans for the overwhelming response his film Kantara has received. “We are very happy to share that ‘Kantara’ has received 2 Oscar Qualifications! A heartfelt thank you to everyone who has supported us. We look forward to further sharing this journey with all your support Can’t wait to see it shine. #Oscars #Kantara @hombalefilms #HombaleFilms.”
“All That Breathes”, a documentary on “The Elephant Whispers” by Shaunak Sen and Kartiki Gonsalves, is also part of the list. Four entries from the shortlisted films – ‘Chello Show’, ‘RRR’, ‘All That Breathes’ and ‘The Elephant Whispers’ have already made it to the Oscars shortlist for the four categories.
In the shortlist for the 10 categories put out by AMPAS in December, “Chello Show” made it to the Best International Film section, while “Naatu Naatu” from the blockbuster “RRR” made it to the Music (Original Song) category. “All That Breathes” was included in the Documentary Feature shortlist and “The Elephant Whispers” in the Documentary Short category.
This is probably the first time that India has made it to the four Oscar shortlists, the pre-nomination stage.
(With PTI inputs)