India’s official entry for Best International Feature Film at the 97th Academy Awards, Laapataa Ladies, directed by Kiran Rao, has failed to make it to the shortlist of 15 films vying for a spot in the final five. The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS) announced the list on Wednesday morning, revealing that the Hindi film would not be advancing in the Oscars race.
While Laapataa Ladies has been eliminated, one film with Indian connections has made it to the shortlist. Santosh, directed by British-Indian filmmaker Sandhya Suri, has been selected for further consideration. Starring Indian actresses Shahana Goswami and Sunita Rajwar, the film represents the United Kingdom in the competition for Best International Feature Film.
The shortlist also includes several other international films, such as Emilia Pérez from France, I’m Still Here from Brazil, Universal Language from Canada, Waves from the Czech Republic, The Girl with the Needle from Denmark, and The Seed of the Sacred Fig from Germany.
Though Laapataa Ladies has been excluded from the next round, the recognition of other films from around the world highlights the diversity and global nature of the Oscars’ Best International Feature category. The final nominations will be revealed in the coming months as the race for the prestigious award continues.
