Following the announcement two weeks ago that Oliver Schmitz’ Life, Above All was South Africa’s entry into the Best Foreign Language Film category of the Oscars, The Wrap reports that more than 50 countries have already announced their official submissions to the Academy.
Ten more countries at least, including Italy, Spain and last year’s winner, Argentina, are expected to submit their entries so by 30 September. A preliminary shortlist of finalists will be announced in January by the Academy’s special foreign-language committee. The five nominees will be announced in January.
The Wrap maintains that the following country’s entries are positioned to do well – Mexico, Algeria, Canada, Denmark and France.
South Africa isn’t mentioned as a possible favourite but it’s worth noting that Life, Above All had a 10-minute standing ovation at this year’s Cannes Film Festival.
