Oscars shortlist: Indian film '2018' moves out; 'Barbie', 'Oppenheimer' feature in multiple categories

The highly acclaimed Malayalam-language film "2018" faced disappointment as it failed to secure a spot in the final shortlist for the Best International Feature category at the Oscars. Director Jude Anthany Joseph took to social media to share his feelings with fans and well-wishers after the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences revealed the shortlisted films in various categories.

The heart-wrenching disaster drama, released earlier this year, centers around the devastating Kerala floods of 2018. Starring a stellar cast, including Tovino Thomas, Kunchako Boban, Lal, and others, "2018" earned immense acclaim and emerged as the highest-grossing Malayalam-language film, crossing the Rs 200 crore mark worldwide. Despite its critical and commercial success, the film found itself excluded from the prestigious Oscars shortlist, leaving fans and the director disappointed.

Taking to Instagram, Joseph shared a screenshot of the 15 films shortlisted for the Best International Feature category and expressed his gratitude to supporters while apologizing for not securing a spot.

Meanwhile, other notable films from across the globe made it to the Oscar shortlists in various categories. Greta Gerwig's "Barbie," Christopher Nolan's "Oppenheimer," and Martin Scorsese's "Killers of the Flower Moon" featured prominently in multiple categories, showcasing the diversity of international cinema. Jonathan Glazer's "The Zone of Interest" and Yorgos Lanthimos' "Poor Things" also earned recognition in makeup, visual effects, and score categories, adding to the global representation at the prestigious awards.

In the documentary feature category, "20 Days in Mariupol" secured a place among the finalists, along with other compelling documentaries like "American Symphony," "Still: A Michael J. Fox Movie," "Going to Mars: The Nikki Giovanni Project," "The Eternal Memory," "A Still Small Voice," and "Four Daughters."

The Oscars, known for celebrating excellence in cinema worldwide, have once again sparked discussions about the unpredictability of nominations and the diverse array of films that capture the hearts of audiences globally.