Oscars 2023: 'Naatu Naatu,' 'Last Film Show' get shortlisted
What's the story
The clock has begun to tick for the 2023 Oscars!
The Academy has revealed its first shortlist in 10 categories.
Four Indian projects have made it to the shortlist this year: All That Breathes, The Elephant Whisperers, Last Film Show, and RRR's song Naatu Naatu.
The final nominations will be announced on January 24, while the Oscars will be announced on March 12, 2023.
Context
Why does this story matter?
The Academy Awards or the Oscars are considered the benchmark of cinematic excellence since they honor the creme-de-la-creme of global cinema.
India's luck has often run dry at the Oscars and only three films have bagged nominations at the Oscars: Mother India, Salaam Bombay, and Lagaan.
Some individuals, however, have been felicitated with the trophy, including legendary lyricist Gulzar and music maestro AR Rahman.
Indian films
Look at the categories where Indian films received mentions
Shaunak Sen's critically acclaimed documentary All That Breathes has been shortlisted in the documentary feature film category, while The Elephant Whisperers has clinched a spot in the documentary short film section.
Moreover, Chhello Show (Last Film Show) has made it to the international feature film category while RRR's foot-tapping number Naatu Naatu has been shortlisted in the music (original song) domain.
Other shortlisted films
Here are a few other films shortlisted in different categories
Joyland from Pakistan, Saint Omer from France, Close from Belgium, and EO from Poland, among 15 others, have made it to the international feature film section.
Moreover, Don't Worry Darling, Devotion, and The Fabelmans have been shortlisted in the music (original score) category, while some films that have dominated the animated short film section are Black Slide, It, Passenger, and The Garbage Man.
Top mentions
'All Quiet on the Western Front,' 'Black Panther' are frontrunners
Edward Berger's All Quiet on the Western Front made it to international feature film, makeup and hairstyling, music (original score), sound, and visual effects.
It tied with Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, which has been named in almost all the aforementioned categories except international feature film (it wasn't eligible).
Instead, it has found a place in the music (original song) section for Lift Me Up.
Surprising shortlist?
'RRR' has billions of hopes pinned on it
To see RRR only in one category may come as a surprise, considering SS Rajamouli's magnum opus has swooned the West and how!
The Golden Globe-nominated film is competing independently and was being perceived as India's rare chance in the international feature film/visual effects category.
However, 13 categories are yet to be announced, and Rajamouli still stands a chance in the Best Director category.