France's pick for the 2024 Best International Feature Oscar, Jacques Audiard's Emilia Perez, is more than just a safe bet; it's a smart one. With Audiard's reputation as a master of cinematic storytelling and a plot that promises both drama and innovation, Emilia Perez could finally break France's 30-year dry spell at the Academy Awards.
A Strong Choice After Years of Controversy
France's previous selections for the Oscars haven't always been without controversy. Just last year, The Taste of Things was chosen over Anatomy of a Fall, the Palme d'Or winner, only for Anatomy to go on to win four major Oscar nominations, including Best Picture and Best Director. This time, however, the selection of Emilia Perez seems less divisive, and by all accounts, it's a decision that most cinephiles can agree on.
Audiard is no stranger to accolades. The director of critically acclaimed films like A Prophet and Dheepan, he knows how to create intense, emotional narratives that resonate with audiences and critics alike. In Emilia Perez, a musical legal drama with a unique twist of gender transformation, he's taken on a genre that could bring something fresh to the Oscar race. Starring Selena Gomez and Karla Sofia Gascón, the film's international appeal is undeniable.
The Historical Stakes
It's been three decades since France last took home the Best International Feature Oscar with Indochine in 1993. If Audiard's film succeeds, it would be a significant achievement for French cinema, which has seen many near-misses in recent years. The buzz surrounding Emilia Perez indicates that it's not just a contender but one of the few films this year already considered a Best Picture lock.
As the Oscars approach, all eyes are on whether Emilia Perez can live up to expectations and finally bring that long-awaited trophy back to France. For those who appreciate well-crafted storytelling and bold filmmaking, this is one film to keep an eye on.
