Kantara and Vikrant Rona on Oscar reminder list: What does it really entail?

If the media and social media buzz surrounding Kantara and Vikrant making it to the Oscar reminder list is anything to go by, it almost feels like the golden statuette is almost at their fingertips. In fact, Rishab Shetty, the actor and director of Kantara had tweeted that his film is in contention for two categoeries – Best Picture and Actor. The truth, however, is far from that.

The shortlists for 10 of the Academy’s 24 categories have been announced already, namely Documentary feature film, documentary short film (where India’s Elephant Whisperers is listed), International Feature (which includes India’s official entry, Chhello Show), makeup and hairstyling, music – original score, music – original song (which includes RRR’s Naatu Naatu), animated short film, live action short film, sound and visual effects.

“Films on the reminder list are eligible to be shortlisted and, subsequently, nominated in any of the Oscar categories. So, Rishab’s assertion that his film has qualified in two categories would be misleading,” says a source, adding, “Unlike Indian awards, where juries comprising 10-15 people decide if you win or not, the Oscars are dependent on the votes of its 9,579 members. To make an impression there, you need to have the support of major studios and have a lobbyist working your case. RRR, for instance, has made all the right moves from the beginning and taken the long route. They have taken the film to many film festivals and won awards, all of which adds weightage when the time comes to begin lobbying. The fact that known stars and technicians in Hollywood are talking about RRR shows that enough money is being pumped in to publicize it. They may just have a shot at an award. Ultimately, Academy Awards are all about lobbying.”

Kantara and Vikrant Rona would have completed the application process, which mandates a minimum 7-day run at a prescribed theatre, among other criteria, in November last year, says the source.