India Snubs Hit Musical ‘RRR,’ Chooses ‘Last Film Show’ for the Oscars International Race
thewrap.comgrossed an impressive $11.3 million at the North American box office this year.Instead, the country’s selection committee went with “Last Film Show,” a coming-of-age drama that was compared to “Cinema Paradiso” after its premiere at this year’s Tribeca Film Festival.
In the vein of Steven Spielberg’s “The Fabelmans” and James Gray’s “Armageddon Time,” it is a semi-autobiographical work based on moments from its director’s childhood.The decision was reminiscent of the choice in 2013 to send “The Good Road” to the Oscars over “The Lunchbox,” which had been considered an all-but-certain nominee if it had been chosen.India has sent 54 films to the Oscars dating back to 1957, landing three nominations with no wins.
It has not been nominated since 2001’s “Lagaan.” “RRR” had been widely tapped as a strong contender in the international category this year, along with films that include Austria’s “Corsage,” Belgium’s “Close,” Germany’s “All Quiet on the Western Front,” Poland’s “EO” and South Korea’s “Decision to Leave.”At this point, more than 50 countries have submitted films to the Oscars international race.
A selection committee from each eligible country is authorized by the Academy to choose one film for consideration, with other films from that country ineligible in the category.
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