Italian director Maura Delpero’s Vermiglio has earned a coveted spot on the shortlist for the Best International Film Oscar.
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS) made the announcement on Tuesday. The list of 15 films will be narrowed down to five nominees, which will be revealed on January 17. The winner will be announced during the Academy Awards ceremony in Los Angeles on March 2.
Set in a small Northern Italian town, Vermiglio is an intimate drama that delves into the lingering effects of World War II. Notably, much of the dialogue is in a Northern Italian dialect, lending authenticity to the film’s setting and its portrayal of a community deeply tied to the rhythms of its mountainous environment.
Described by Delpero as “a war story without bombs or big battles,” the film focuses on the human spirit and resilience against the harsh backdrop of the Alps. The director’s unique vision is rooted in the “ironclad logic of the mountains,” where daily life serves as a constant reminder of humanity’s fragility in the face of nature.
Vermiglio has been a surprising local box office success, resonating with audiences despite, or perhaps because of, its quiet, introspective tone. The film also won critical acclaim, taking home the prestigious Silver Lion award at the Venice Film Festival.
The list of 15 films in this category is:
Brazil, “I’m Still Here”
Canada, “Universal Language”
Czech Republic, “Waves”
Denmark, “The Girl with the Needle”
France, “Emilia Pérez”
Germany, “The Seed of the Sacred Fig”
Iceland, “Touch”
Ireland, “Kneecap”
Italy, “Vermiglio”
Latvia, “Flow”
Norway, “Armand”
Palestine, “From Ground Zero”
Senegal, “Dahomey”
Thailand, “How to Make Millions before Grandma Dies”
United Kingdom, “Santosh”
