France reveals five contenders shortlisted for international feature Oscar submission

The short version

• France named five shortlisted films competing to serve as the nation's official submission for the best international feature Oscar.[Variety]
• The candidates include Andrey Zvyagintsev's 'Minotaur', Antonin Baudry's 'The Battle of De Gaulle: The Iron Age', Arthur Harari's 'The Unknown', Louis Clichy's 'Iron Boy', and Marine Atlan's 'La Gradiva'.[Variety]
• A confidential selection committee will reconvene on September 16 to hear presentations before making its final choice.[Variety]
• France is seeking to break a championship drought, having last won the category with 'Indochine' in 1993.[Variety]

Key facts

• France announced a five-film shortlist to vie for its official entry in the best international feature Oscar race.[Variety]
• The shortlisted titles are 'Minotaur', 'The Battle of De Gaulle: The Iron Age', 'The Unknown', 'Iron Boy', and 'La Gradiva'.[Variety]
• The French selection committee is scheduled to meet on September 16 to hear pitches from candidate production and distribution teams.[Variety]
• France has not captured the international feature Academy Award since 1993, when 'Indochine' won.[Variety]

Sources

Outlet counts describe coverage, not independent confirmation. Reports may share a wire service or original source.

• France Unveils Shortlist of Five Films for the International Oscar Race, From ‘Minotaur’ to ‘De Gaulle’ and ‘Iron Boy’Variety metered