2012 Best Foreign Language Film Oscar Nominees

You might be aware that the 84th Academy Awards ceremony is upon us, but have you been keeping up with the best foreign films of the year? If not, you should pay special attention to the Best Foreign Language Film category, which honors the year’s finest movies from around the world.

If you are looking for a new subtitled movie to add to your list of must-watch films, there are some excellent candidates among the Oscar nominees for 2012′s Best Foreign Language Film.

A Little About the Category for Best Foreign Films …

Since 1956, the Best Foreign Language Film Oscar has been given out annually, though it was handed out sporadically before then. In order to qualify for the Foreign Language Film category, Oscar hopefuls must have directed a film outside of the US, and the majority of it must be in a language other than English. Since each country can submit only a single entry for the Foreign Language Film nomination, the entire nation tends to take credit for and celebrate the Oscar, not just those directly involved in making the film.

If you consider the history of this category, Europe tends to consistently have the best foreign films. Of the 62 Foreign Language Film Oscars handed out since 1947, all but 11 have been given to European entries. If you want to find out if Europe can add another title to the roster of best foreign films, you’ll have to wait until the winner of the Foreign Language Film Oscar is announced on February 26.

Nominees for Best Foreign Film

“A Separation,” Iran

This movie focuses on a couple trying to decide whether they should leave Iran in the interest of improving their child’s prospects in life, or if they have an obligation to stay and care for a parent with Alzheimer’s disease. “A Separation” has already received the Golden Globe for Best Foreign-Language Film, as well as a Golden Bear from the Berlin International Film Festival, to name a few awards.  Directed by Asghar Farhadi.

“Bullhead,” Belgium

This film centers on a cattle farmer, Jacky Vanmarsenille, who is given the chance to make a lucrative deal with a conniving beef trader. When an investigator is killed and a secret that Jacky has been hiding begins to emerge, the audience is treated to a tragedy that teaches lessons about crime, punishment and the loss of innocence.  Directed by Michael R. Roskam.

“Footnote,” Israel

This Foreign Language Film Oscar nominee focuses on the relationship between a father and son, both of whom work as Talmudic scholars at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem. When the son’s awards and recognition far outweigh those of his father, a power struggle ensues. Directed by Joseph Cedar, this film took home the Best Screenplay Award at the Cannes Film Festival.

“In Darkness,” Poland

This Polish contender for best foreign film centers on the Nazi occupation of Poland. Based on a true story, it follows the attempts of one man to shelter Jewish refugees in Poland by hiding them in the sewage tunnels beneath the city of Lviv. Directed by Agnieszka Holland.

“Monsieur Lazhar,” Canada

This film, set in Montreal, tells the story of Bachir Lazhar, who is an Algerian refugee hired to take the place of an elementary school teacher who has committed suicide. As the students mourn their previous teacher’s death, Bachir tries to move on from the death of his wife, who was killed as a result of writing about some of Algeria’s social problems.  Directed by Philippe Falardeau.

Consider watching these movies to determine which one you think is the best foreign film, and then tune in to the Academy Awards on February 26 to see if your prediction comes true.