Oscar-Nominated Masterpiece Unveiled!

Oscar-Nominated Masterpiece Unveiled!

German Oscar Entry “The Seed of the Holy Fig Tree” Advances in the Competition

The German Oscar entry “The Seed of the Holy Fig Tree” is still in the running for the coveted trophy. The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences announced on Tuesday that the film by Iranian director Mohammad Rasulof landed on the 15-film shortlist in the “Best International Feature Film” category.

The drama tells the story of a judge at the Iranian Revolutionary Court who is forced to sign death sentences without review, amid the ongoing political protests in Iran since the fall of 2022. His role leads to mistrust and paranoia towards his own family.

The international co-production between Iran, Germany, and France premiered in May at the 77th Cannes Film Festival. Iranian authorities had attempted to prevent the film’s premiere, as Rasulof had been sentenced to prison in Iran and had to flee to Europe.

The film’s chances of winning an Oscar are still unclear. Experts consider it a strong contender, but it may ultimately face stiff competition from the French entry “Emilia Pérez” a musical thriller by Jacques Audiard that is also a top contender in the main categories.

Of the 11 German short films that were potential Oscar nominees, two made it to the shortlist: “Kruste” by Jens Kevin Georg in the live-action category, and “The Wild-Tempered Clavier” by Anna Samo in the animation category.

The final Oscar nominations will be announced on January 17, 2025, and the awards ceremony will take place on March 2, 2025.