Per the Academy’s press release:

15 films will advance to the next round of voting in the International Feature Film category for the 96th Academy Awards. Films from 88 countries and regions were eligible in the category.

Each shortlist is determined by members of that corresponding branch, except for International Feature Film and Live Action Short Film. (Members from all branches are invited to participate in the preliminary round of voting and must meet a minimum viewing requirement to be eligible to vote in the category.)

The nominations for the 96th Oscars will be announced on Tuesday, Jan. 23, 2024, while the Oscars ceremony will be held on Sunday, March 10, 2024 at the Dolby® Theatre at Ovation Hollywood and will be televised live on ABC and in more than 200 territories worldwide.

WHY I CHOSE THOSE FIVE?

The International Feature field feels wide open with France not submitting “Anatomy Of A Fall” as their selection. One has to believe “The Taste Of Things,” France’s official entry, will take a spot. Having Juliette Binoche as the star also puts a win in that column. “The Zone of Interest” is the film that takes the most significant bump up with the lack of “Anatomy.” A film that I think will be a part of several major categories, including Best Picture, “Zone” has rave reviews, stars Sandra Hüller (from “Anatomy”), and is backed by A24.

Before the shortlists came out, “Society of the Snow” was getting buzzed about. With a significant director, J.A. Bayona, at the helm and Netflix backing it, the touching and visually arresting film has a substantial shot at getting a nomination in the Best International Feature category and a few others (including Original Score). “The Teachers’ Lounge” is another film that garnered praise before the shortlists were released. With a strong central performance, there are good odds that Germany will be represented in this category.

The final spot is a toss-up. “Fallen Leaves” ranks high on many lists from this year, but the plot sounds a bit contrived. “Perfect Days,” directed by 3-time Academy Award nominee Wim Wenders, is also elevated by its word-of-mouth from previous awards ceremonies. Director Nikolaj Arcel’s film “A Royal Affair” was an Oscar nominee in 2013, which starred Mads Mikkelson, and now they’ve reteamed with “The Promised Land,” Denmark’s submission. “Godland” and “Io Capitano” are both raved-about contenders, and “Four Daughters” and “20 Days in Mariupol” could be cut, as they made the shortlist in the Documentary Feature category. However, my last pick lands with “Tótem,” the submission from Mexico, which has nominations from the Gotham and Film Independent Spirit Awards and was named one of the Top 5 International Films by the National Board of Review. I’ve seen the title pop up too many places not to go with this one.