Madrid, Spain — Director Oliver Laxe’s ambitious film “Sirât” has been chosen as Spain’s official submission for the best international feature film category at the 98th Academy Awards. The announcement was made on Wednesday by Pablo Berger, who received an animated feature nomination last year for “Robot Dreams.”
The selection follows a thorough voting process by the members of Spain’s Academy of the Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, who evaluated several films over the summer before narrowing it down to three finalists: “Sirât,” Carla Simon’s “Romería,” and Eva Libertad’s “Deaf.”
“Sirât,” which delivers an intense narrative set against a desert backdrop, has garnered significant attention since its world premiere at the Cannes Film Festival, where it received rave reviews and won a Cannes Jury Prize. The film’s North American distribution rights were secured by Neon during the festival, which not only highlights the film’s international appeal but also raises questions about how the distributor will manage multiple Oscar contenders this year, including titles from Norway, Brazil, and South Korea.
Released in Spain on June 6, “Sirât” has already made a notable financial impact, grossing approximately €2.7 million ($3.2 million) by early September. The film’s success can be attributed, in part, to a concerted effort to reach broader audiences, thanks to backing from Movistar Plus+, Spain’s prominent pay-TV and SVOD service. The film benefits from co-production with El Deseo, the production company of renowned filmmakers Pedro and Agustin Almodóvar, known for their history of successful Academy Award nominations.
The entry of “Sirât” into the Oscar race signals a significant milestone for Movistar Plus+, which recently announced its first slate of original productions, including potential “event auteur” films aimed at resonating with Academy voters.
Behind the scenes, “Sirât” showcases a talented crew, with Oriol Maymó serving as production manager. Mauro Herce, celebrated for his cinematography in Laxe’s previous work “Fire Will Come,” contributed his expertise as the director of photography, while Laia Ateca, known for her art direction in films like “Mantícora,” played a vital role on the project. The film also features a score by musician Kangding Ray, further enhancing its artistic depth.
As the international awards season approaches, “Sirât” stands as a testament to Spain’s vibrant film industry and its capacity to produce works that resonate both nationally and globally.
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