Distributors of 'Aquarius' Did Not Submit the Movie to Oscar Awards

01/26/2017 - 14h05

It was not the lack of interest of the American Academy of Motion Pictures Arts And Sciences that left the Brazilian movie 'Aquarius', directed by Kleber Mendonça Filho, out of the competition for a nomination in the 2017 Oscar awards announced on Tuesday, January 24. The movie never competed because it was not submitted by its distributor in the U.S.

The movie did not participate to compete for a nomination as best foreign movie (Brazil chose to submit 'Pequeno Segredo', which was not selected) but could try in other Oscar categories.

'Aquarius' met all requirements: it was released in the U.S. in 2016 and was screened in Los Angeles, at the Academy's headquarters.

The movie was widely praised by fans across the country. A movie critic of the 'Los Angeles Times' suggested voters consider Sonia Braga's performance; two 'New York Times' critics said Braga and Mendonça Filho "should" be nominated for best actress, director and original screenplay. They did not know that the lobby would be useless.

"The distributor [Vitagraph Films] did not submit the movie officially," said Natalie Kojen, of the Academy's press office.

Folha contacted David Shultz, the head of Vitagraph, but he did not want to comment. However, Shultz did submit 'Aquarius' to compete in the Golden Globe and the Independent Spirit Awards.

It is believed that the decision may have been connected to financial problems as the campaign for the Oscar requires large sums.

"I believe something like that has never happened before. It is lamentable," said Mendonça Filho.

"Lamentable" was also how the film's producer, Emilie Lesclaux, classified the case.

	Divulgacao
	Sônia Braga in a scene from the film 'Aquarius' (2016)

(IN COLLABORATION WITH GUILHERME GENESTRETI, FROM SÃO PAULO)

Translated by THOMAS MUELLO

Read the article in the original language