How Are Films Selected For Oscar Nominations? How does the Jury Make Decisions?

"Lapaataa Ladies" became India's official entry for the Best International Feature Film category at the 97th Academy Awards. 

The film received critical acclaim for its powerful storytelling and exceptional performances, solidifying its place as a strong contender in the prestigious category. 

Approximately more than 29 films were submitted from India for consideration in the category, 'however only "Laapataa Ladies" was chosen to represent the country at the Oscars. 

The film was unanimously taken by a 13-member selection committee headed by Assamese director Jahnu Barua. 

The film, which explores the lives of three women in a small village in rural India, has been praised for its powerful storytelling and authentic portrayal of female characters. Lapataa Ladies has already garnered critical acclaim at various international film festivals before its nomination for the Oscars. 

Here is the list of Indian movies that were submitted for Oscar's entry in 2025:

The official entry selected was Laapataa Ladies, directed by Kiran Rao.

What is the Selection Process for Oscar Nominations?

The selection process for Oscar nominations, particularly for the Academy Awards, is intricate and consists of several key stages:

Eligibility and Submission:

Films must meet specific eligibility criteria set by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS). 

For example, to qualify for the Best International Feature Film category, a film must be at least 40 minutes long, predominantly feature non-English dialogue (more than 50%), and have a theatrical release of at least seven consecutive days within the eligibility period (between November 1 of the previous year and September 30 of the current year).

Voting Structure:

The Academy comprises approximately 9,000 members organised into 17 branches, each representing different aspects of filmmaking (e.g., actors, directors). Each branch nominates films in its respective categories; however, all members can vote for Best Picture nominations.

The nomination process involves two rounds of voting:

• Preliminary Voting: A committee views eligible submissions and votes by secret ballot to create a shortlist of 15 films.
• Final Voting: The final nominees (typically five) are determined through another round of secret ballot voting by the nominating committee.
• Balloting System: For categories like Best Picture, members rank their choices. A "magic number" is calculated based on the total ballots received, which determines if a film becomes a nominee. If no film receives enough first-place votes, additional rounds of counting occur where the film with the fewest votes is eliminated and its votes redistributed until five nominees are finalised.

Selection Process for Indian Films

In India, the selection of films for Oscar consideration is managed by the Film Federation of India (FFI), which follows a structured process:

Submission Invitation:

The FFI invites filmmakers to submit their films for consideration as India's official entry for the Oscars. To be eligible, films must adhere to similar criteria as those set by the Academy.

Submission Process:

Filmmakers are required to submit their films along with details about the film and its crew, accompanied by a submission fee of Rs 1.25 lakh. This fee supports the administrative costs associated with the selection process.

Jury Selection:

A 13-member jury composed of experienced individuals from the creative field evaluates submissions. This jury includes a chairperson nominated by the FFI, who oversees the selection process.

Evaluation and Decision:

The jury watches all submitted films and engages in discussions before voting on their final choice. The selected film is intended to represent India's cultural ethos and social systems on an international platform.

Recent Example: For instance, Laapataa Ladies was announced as India's official entry for the Best International Feature Film category at the upcoming Oscars. It was chosen from a pool of 29 submissions after a thorough evaluation by the jury.

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How Does The FFI Ensure Transparency In The Oscar Selection Process?

The Film Federation of India (FFI) has implemented several measures to ensure transparency in the Oscar selection process for Indian films. Here are the key aspects:

Public Announcement of Selection Process:

The FFI publicly outlines its selection criteria and procedures on its website, detailing the eligibility requirements for films, such as language, length, and theatrical release duration. This openness allows filmmakers to understand what is required for their submissions.

Jury Composition and Function:

A 13-member jury, composed of experienced professionals from the creative field, is appointed by the FFI to evaluate submissions. This jury is tasked with screening the films and making a final decision through discussions and voting. The chairperson of the jury is also nominated by the FFI, ensuring a structured approach to the selection process.

Encouragement of Submissions:

The FFI actively invites filmmakers to submit their works for consideration. This invitation is accompanied by a commitment to assist producers in navigating the submission process, promoting a more inclusive environment for participation.

Voting Process:

After screening all submitted films, the jury votes on their final choice. This voting process is conducted in a manner that ensures each member's input is considered, fostering a democratic selection environment.

Addressing Criticism:

Despite recent criticism regarding the all-male composition of the jury and concerns over representation, the FFI has acknowledged these issues publicly. This acknowledgement reflects an awareness of the need for inclusivity and transparency in decision-making processes, particularly given that many selected films focus on women's narratives.

Feedback Mechanism:

The FFI has indicated its willingness to receive feedback on its processes and has expressed a desire for greater participation from a diverse range of filmmakers in future selections, which can enhance transparency and accountability within the selection process.

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