The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has announced the shortlists in nine categories for the 93rd Academy Awards. One look at the nominations and we found out that Pakistan’s official submission in the ‘International Feature Film’ category, Sarmad Khoosat’s directorial — Zindagi Tamasha — has dropped out of the race.
The 138-minute-long film was selected for Oscar consideration in November last year for the ‘International Feature Film Award’ category by the Pakistan Committee.
Written by Nirmal Bano, Zindagi Tamasha features Arif Hassan, Samiya Mumtaz, Eman Suleman and Ali Kureshi in the lead. The film is centered around a naat khwan Rahat Khawaja (played by Arif Hassan) and his family who are outcast from the society when a secret from Khawaja’s personal life is leaked.
Read: Zindagi Tamasha ban: Would ‘Khuda Kay Liye’ have been released in today’s Pakistan?
Unfortunately, the film was embroiled in controversy prior to its release in Pakistan and was banned eventually. However, it has won international accolade, including the Kim Ji-Seok Award at the prestigious Busan International Film Festival in South Korea.
Later, we saw a glimmer of hope in July last year, when the Senate Committee on Human Rights approved Zindagi Tamasha for screening. Now we are eagerly waiting for the coronavirus scare to pass so that we get to see the film on big screen.
The Oscar categories announced include Documentary Feature, Documentary Short Subject, International Feature Film, Makeup and Hairstyling, Music (Original Score), Music (Original Song), Animated Short Film, Live Action Short Film and Visual Effects.
Fifteen films will advance to the next round of voting in the International Feature Film category for the 93rd Academy Awards. The films, listed in alphabetical order by country, are:
Bosnia and Herzegovina, Quo Vadis, Aida?
Chile, The Mole Agent
Czech Republic, Charlatan
Denmark, Another Round
France, Two of Us
Guatemala, La Llorona
Hong Kong, Better Days
Iran, Sun Children
Ivory Coast, Night Of The Kings
Mexico, I’m No Longer Here
Norway, Hope
Romania, Collective
Russia, Dear Comrades!
Taiwan, A Sun
Tunisia, The Man Who Sold His Skin
Nominations voting begins on Friday, March 5, 2021, and concludes on Wednesday, March 10, 2021. Nominations for Oscars 2021 will be announced on Monday, March 15, 2021 and The Oscars will be air Sunday, April 25, 2021.
