France’s national film body, the CNC, has announced a five‑film shortlist from which the country will choose its official entry for the Best International Feature title at the 99th Academy Awards. The list includes Antonin Baudry’s political biopic De Gaulle and Andrey Zvyagintsev’s Cannes Grand Prix winner Minotaur, together with Louis Clichy’s animated drama Le Corset, Marine Atlan’s La Gradiva and Arthur Harari’s L’Inconnue.
Selection process and context
The 11‑member committee charged with choosing France’s submission convened under the CNC’s auspices. The panel comprises producers, distributors, international sales agents, artists and representatives of institutional and festival bodies, and will reconvene to hear presentations by the films’ producers and international and US distributors before making a final decision.
The shortlisted titles represent a cross‑section of contemporary French cinema, spanning historical biography, international co‑production and animation. Several of the entries premiered at Cannes this year and have attracted festival attention.
The contenders
Key details drawn from the CNC announcement and festival coverage:
- Minotaur (Andrey Zvyagintsev) — Winner of the Cannes Grand Prix; a French‑led co‑production that follows a high‑powered Russian executive whose life unravels amid personal and global crises. Zvyagintsev’s film has also appeared on Germany’s longlist for the international Oscar process.
- De Gaulle (Antonin Baudry) — A political biopic revisiting episodes of World War II from the perspective of Charles de Gaulle and those around him. The cast includes Simon Abkarian, Benoît Magimel, Mathieu Kassovitz, Niels Schneider and Karim Leklou.
- Le Corset (Louis Clichy) — An animated coming‑of‑age drama following an 11‑year‑old boy on his family farm; it won the Special Jury Prize in the Un Certain Regard strand at Cannes.
- La Gradiva (Marine Atlan) — A debut feature that won the Critics’ Week prize at Cannes; it follows high school students on a class trip to Naples who encounter powerful emotional upheavals in the shadow of Pompeii.
- L’Inconnue (Arthur Harari) — A Cannes competition title adapted from Harari’s graphic novel The Case of David Zimmerman, featuring Léa Seydoux and Niels Schneider.
| Film | Director | Notable festival or detail |
|---|---|---|
| Minotaur | Andrey Zvyagintsev | Cannes Grand Prix; French‑led co‑production |
| De Gaulle | Antonin Baudry | Large ensemble cast; World War II focus |
| Le Corset | Louis Clichy | Special Jury Prize, Un Certain Regard (Cannes) |
| La Gradiva | Marine Atlan | Critics’ Week prize (Cannes); debut feature |
| L’Inconnue | Arthur Harari | Adapted from Harari’s graphic novel; stars Léa Seydoux |
What’s at stake
The decision will determine which film France submits to the Academy for consideration in the Best International Feature category. Several shortlisted films have secured distribution and festival plaudits, which could help if selected: Minotaur in particular has international sales momentum following its Grand Prix win, while Le Corset and La Gradiva bring critical recognition from Cannes sections.
France’s final choice will likely reflect a mix of artistic merit, international sales prospects and perceived awards appeal. The committee’s next meeting, when it hears from producers and distributors, is expected to clarify which film can best marshal the campaign resources and international exposure required for an Academy run.
Relevance for South African audiences
South African film‑lovers and industry observers will watch the outcome with interest for a few reasons. Internationally recognised French films often circulate on the festival circuit and reach South African cinemas and streaming platforms, influencing programming and distribution choices. Successful selections can bolster co‑production opportunities and festival exchanges between France and other countries — including South Africa — where relationships with European producers and distributors are an important avenue for financing and international exposure.
The CNC’s shortlist is due to be winnowed when the committee reconvenes and hears presentations on 16 September. The final submission to the Academy will be confirmed after that meeting.
