From left to right: Alejandro González Iñárritu, Guillermo del Toro, and Santiago Mitre
The most recent films by Latin American directors Alejandro González Iñárritu, Santiago Mitre, and Guillermo del Toro, have been shortlisted for the 95th edition of the Oscars, the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences announced this afternoon.
Argentina and Mexico are the only Latin American contenders left in the race for Best International Feature, as Iñárritu’s Bardo, False Chronicle of a Handful of Truths / Bardo, falsa crónica de unas cuantas verdades, and Mitre’s Argentina, 1985 were the only two films from the region announced in the shortlist of 15 titles. Additionally, the animated movie Guillermo del Toro’s Pinocchio, was shortlisted in three categories: for Best Sound, Best Music (Original Score), and Best Music (Original Song).
Starring Daniel Giménez Cacho, Bardo is an epic, visually stunning and immersive experience set against the intimate and moving journey of Silverio, a renowned Mexican journalist and documentary filmmaker living in Los Angeles, who, after being named the recipient of a prestigious international award, is compelled to return to his native country, unaware that this simple trip will push him to an existential limit.
The folly of his memories and fears have decided to pierce through the present, filling his everyday life with a sense of bewilderment and wonder. With both emotion and abundant laughter, Silverio grapples with universal yet intimate questions about identity, success, mortality, the history of Mexico and the deeply emotional familial bonds he shares with his wife and children. Indeed, what it means to be human in these very peculiar times.
Argentina, 1985 is inspired by the true story of Julio Strassera (played by Ricardo Darín), Luis Moreno Ocampo (played by Peter Lanzani) and their young legal team of unlikely heroes in their David-vs-Goliath battle in which, under constant threat, they dared to prosecute Argentina’s bloodiest military dictatorship against all odds and in a race against time to bring justice to the victims of the Military Junta.
In Guillermo del Toro’s Pinocchio, the Mexican Academy Award-winning director and the award winning, stop-motion legend Mark Gustafson reimagine the classic Carlo Collodi tale of the fabled wooden boy with a whimsical tour de force that finds Pinocchio on an enchanted adventure that transcends worlds and reveals the life-giving power of love.
The nominations for the 95th edition of the Academy Awards will be announced on January 24, 2023.
