23 Dec – Two of India's 2022 releases have been shortlisted at the Oscars. The 95th Academy Awards recently announced the top ten films that have been picked for its International Feature Film category, and revealed that India's entry, "Last Film Show (Chhello Show)" was one of the movies listed. Producer Siddharth Roy Kapur, producer Dheer Momaya and director Pan Nalin expressed their happiness with the news, saying, "We are humbled and overjoyed that our heartfelt ode to the cinematic medium 'Last Film Show (Chhello Show)' has been recognised by the world's preeminent awards body, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences." "Ever since our selection by the Film Federation of India as India's Official Entry to the 95th Oscars, we knew in our hearts that the film was bound for something special. We would like to thank the FFI, the millions of people who watched and admired Chhello Show, as well as our international distributors who gave the film a well-deserved push. This is a historic moment for India and we hope to bring the Oscar home very soon."
Among other movies that made it to the top ten include "Close" (Belgium), "Decision to Leave" (South Korea), "All Quiet on the Western Front" (Germany). It is noted that the list will be narrowed down to the last five before the winner is announced at the event itself. Meanwhile, "RRR" is nominated in the Original Song category for "Naatu Naatu", the same song that was also nominated at the Golden Globes. It will be competing in the top 15 with other songs including "Hold My Hand" (Top Gun: Maverick) and "Nothing is Lost" (Avatar 2). The nomination voting for the Oscars will be held from 12 to 17 January.