Bangladesh has once again failed to secure a place on the Oscars shortlist, extending a two-decade run without a final nomination in the International Feature Film category.
‘Barir Naam Shahana’, directed by Lisa Gazi, was Bangladesh’s official submission for the 98th Academy Awards. The film did not make it to the shortlist of 15 titles announced by the Academy on Wednesday, December 17. A total of 86 countries submitted films this year, with Bangladesh putting forward six entries before the local Oscar committee selected Barir Naam Shahana.
The submission carried historic significance, as it marked the first time Bangladesh sent a film directed by a woman to the Oscars. Based on a real-life incident from the 1990s, the film follows a teenage girl’s struggle to escape oppression. Musician Anan Siddique plays the character Deepa. The film is scheduled for release in Bangladesh in September 2024 and has already earned recognition at several international festivals.
The shortlisted films in the International Feature Film category include ‘Homebound’ by Indian director Neeraj Ghewan, ‘No Other Choice’ by South Korea’s Park Chan-wook, ‘Sirat’ from Spain, and ‘The Voice of Hind Rajab’ by Tunisian filmmaker Kawther Ben Hania. Other shortlisted entries come from Argentina, Brazil, France, Germany, Iraq, Japan, Jordan, Norway, Palestine, Switzerland and Taiwan.
Shortlists were announced in 12 Oscar categories ahead of the 98th Academy Awards, which will be held on March 15 in Los Angeles. Voting for the final nominations will take place from January 12 to January 16, with the nominees to be announced on January 22. The ceremony will be hosted by Conan O’Brien.
In the overall shortlist, Warner Bros. ‘Sinners’ and Universal’s ‘Wicked: For Good’ lead with eight mentions each across categories including casting, cinematography, sound, visual effects and music. Netflix’s ‘Frankenstein’ follows with six shortlist appearances.
While the International Feature Film category remains a major point of interest globally, Bangladesh’s wait for an Oscar breakthrough continues.
