If the Academy Awards are consistently good at one thing, it’s the extent (however limited) to which they can highlight foreign-language films for audiences who’d otherwise never hear of them. Before clips from László Nemes‘ Son of Saul, Naji Abu Nowar‘s Theeb, Deniz Gamze Ergüven‘s Mustang, Ciro Guerra‘s Embrace of the Serpent, and Tobias Lindholm‘s A War are broadcast into homes around the world, take a moment to sit down with their creators — as well as The Brand New Testament‘s Jaco Van Dormael, The Fencer‘s Klaus Haro, and Viva‘s Paddy Breathnach — for a glimpse into the how and why of their films, along with an understanding of what it means to get the nomination.
And while you’re at it, read our reviews of (or comments concerning) each nominee at the above links. This is the rare year where we’ve not only caught every title before the ceremony, but have least one person to recommend the work. Fine job, AMPAS.
The discussion can be seen below (via THR):