Oscars 2025: Santosh makes it to the top 15 in International Feature Film category - Here's everything we know so far

The anticipation for The Academy Awards, also known as the Oscars, has begun as we enter 2025. Scheduled for March 2, 2025, this gala event is widely regarded as the biggest night in cinema. The coveted golden trophy symbolizes the highest achievement for filmmakers worldwide. This year, India submitted Laapataa Ladies (Lost Ladies) as its official entry in the International Feature Film category, but it was not selected by the Academy's committee. However, hope remains for India as a Hindi-language movie submitted by the UK has advanced significantly, securing a spot in the top 15. The film, Santosh, is now a strong contender.

Santosh Makes It to the Top 15

That's correct! Santosh, a Hindi-language film submitted by the UK in the International Feature Film category, has been shortlisted among the top 15 movies. It competes with Ireland’s much-discussed Kneecap, Germany's The Seed of the Sacred Fig, and 12 other films. The Academy shared this exciting update on their official platform. Below is everything you need to know.

Sharing the list of shortlisted films, the Academy announced that the final nominations will be revealed on January 17, 2025. “Fifteen films advanced to the next round of voting in the International Feature Film category. Here's where they land on the map,” the caption on their post read. Below is the list of films advancing to the next round:

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Sandhya Suri on Her Inspiration

Recently, Santosh director Sandhya Suri, who makes her feature debut with this Shahana Goswami-starrer, shared her inspiration behind the critically acclaimed film that has been featured at major international festivals.

In an interview with Zoom, she said, “I saw a fantastic film that was in the same selection and competition of Un Certain Regard at Cannes—a Somali film called The Village Next to Paradise. It was a beautifully crafted story about a grave digger trying to support his family."

She added, "What I found so beautiful about the film was its humanity and craft. It told a deeply dramatic story about daily struggles and small victories in a way that was melodramatic yet profoundly moving. That film left a lasting impression on me this year.”

Oscar nominations will be announced on Friday, January 17, 2025. Watch the Oscars LIVE on Sunday, March 2, 2025. Stay tuned to OTTplay for more updates on this and everything else from the world of streaming and films.

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