France’s Candidate for Best International Feature Film Announced
As preparations ramp up for the 2025 Academy Awards, France has officially selected Emilia Perez, directed by Jacques Audiard, to compete in the prestigious Best International Feature Film category. The film, which has been a box office hit throughout the summer after five weeks in theaters, was chosen by the National Center for Cinema and the Moving Image (CNC) to represent the nation at the ceremony, scheduled for March 11, 2025.
The CNC confirmed that the official submission will soon be sent to the Academy, which will release the final list of nominees by mid-January.
Other Films Considered for Submission
Several other French films were also contenders for the coveted spot, including Pierre Niney’s The Count of Monte Cristo and Alain Guiraudie’s Miséricorde. However, Emilia Perez ultimately won out. This musical thriller centers on a Mexican cartel leader who makes the life-altering decision to transition into a woman, with the support of a lawyer, pursuing a long-held secret dream.
Cannes Accolades and Cast Highlights
Emilia Perez had its world premiere at the Cannes Film Festival, where it made a strong impression. The film was honored with the Jury Prize and the Best Actress Award, which recognized the performances of Zoe Saldaña, Selena Gomez, Adriana Paz, and trans actress Karla Sofía Gascón. Gascón, in particular, praised director Jacques Audiard for giving her this transformative role, expressing her deep appreciation in a recent interview, noting how pivotal this opportunity has been for her career.