After winning over the audience and critics in Pakistan, it seems the appreciation that Asim Abbasi’s Cake received has now made it the number one choice for The Pakistani Academy Selection Committee for Oscar consideration in the ‘Foreign Language Film Award’ category at the 91st Academy Awards.
Directed by Asim Abbasi, the family-drama film Cake remained a top-contender at the box office in the initial months of the year and saw great heights during its runtime. However, more than its collections, it was the critique that is received, which pushed for its nomination.
Speaking about the nomination, the brains behind the film Asim Abbasi said, “I am extremely honoured to have Cake representing Pakistan this year, and grateful to the selection committee for considering it worthy My deepest gratitude to my Cake family, who worked so hard and with so much belief to bring this film to the audiences. 2018 is proving to be a great year for Pakistani Cinema. May it continue to grow and may we always find the courage and the vision to tell our stories our own way.”
Earlier in March this year, Asim has received the Best Director award at the UK Asian Film Festival London for Cake as well.
Asim Abbasi, the writer and director of Cake
Novelist Kamila Shamsie, who is also a member of the committee, also spoke highly of the film. “Beautifully filmed, acted and written, Cake is both layered and affecting – and it’s even better on second viewing,†she said. Veteran actress and a team member, Sahira Kazmi believes Cake explores the depth and complexity of human relationships.
The committee is chaired by two-time Academy Award and Emmy winning documentary filmmaker Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy and includes prominent names like HM Naqvi, Hadiqa Kiani, Ali Sethi, Zoe Viccaji, Nadeem Farooq Paracha, Nabila Maqsood, Khalid Malik and actor Faysal Quraishi.
The final nominees for all award categories including Best Foreign Language Film will be chosen by The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences in January 2019. The final list of Oscar nominees is expected to be announced on 22nd January, 2019 while the awarding show for the 91st Academy Awards is scheduled to take place on 24th February, 2019.
Let’s hope Cake gets shortlisted and brings home the trophy!
