2023 Oscar Nominees in International Film

The Academy Awards, also known as the Oscars, is one of the most prestigious film award ceremonies in the world. Each year, the event recognizes outstanding achievements in the film industry, with a particular focus on Hollywood productions. 

However, one of the categories that sometimes goes unnoticed in the US is the Best International Feature Film award. This award recognizes exceptional filmmaking outside of the United States, and is one we anxiously wait to watch as film and language enthusiasts. 

Without further ado, here’s a quick summary of the 2023 nominees:

All Quiet on the Western Front

All Quiet on the Western Front is a German anti-war film set during World War I, based on Erich Maria Remarque’s novel of the same name.

Argentina, 1985

Argentina, 1985 is a historical legal drama based on the true story of how a public prosecutor, a young lawyer, and their inexperienced legal team attempted to prosecute the heads of Argentina’s military dictatorship.

Close

Close is a Belgian film following the friendship between two 13-year-old boys. 

EO

EO is a Polish film that shares the perspective of EO, a donkey that experiences the beauties and the pains of life.  

The Quiet Girl

The Quiet Girl is an Irish film set in 1981 that follows the experiences of a nine-year-old girl, Cáit, who is sent to live with distant relatives for the summer to get away from her dysfunctional family.  

How feature films are internationally distributed

These films are a testament to the diverse range of filmmaking around the world, and the importance of localization in bridging cultural and linguistic gaps. 

Localization is the process of adapting a product, such as a film or video game, to suit the linguistic and cultural preferences of a specific region. This can include the translation of dialogue, text, and images, as well as the adjustment of content to suit local norms and customs. For filmmakers, localization is a critical component of making their work accessible to audiences worldwide. Without it, language and cultural barriers could prevent films from being seen by wider audiences.

Subbing and dubbing

Subtitles and dubbing are two of the most common methods used in film localization. Subtitles involve the translation of dialogue into written text, which is then displayed on the screen while the original audio remains intact. This method is popular in countries where foreign language films are common, as it allows viewers to hear the original performances while still understanding the dialogue. 

Dubbing, on the other hand, involves replacing the original audio with a new recording in the target language. This method is more common in countries where foreign language films are less prevalent, as it provides a more immersive viewing experience for audiences who may not be accustomed to reading subtitles.

The importance of subtitles, dubbing, and localization

While both methods have their advantages and drawbacks, they are essential to the international distribution of all films. Subbing and dubbing allow films to reach audiences around the world, regardless of language or cultural barriers. They also help to promote cultural exchange and understanding, allowing viewers to experience stories and perspectives that may be different from their own.

As the 2023 Academy Awards approach, we’re celebrating the international feature film nominees and the incredible work they have done. These films are a testament to the power of cinema to transcend cultural and linguistic barriers, and the importance of localization, subtitles, and dubbing in making that possible.

Experts in multilingual entertainment solutions

BLEND helps businesses, creators, studios, and distribution companies localize their content for global audiences. Whether your production features on-screen actors, animated characters, off-screen narrators, or spokespeople, BLEND ensures that your audience receives locally-authentic voice-overs for all types of visual media. 

With over 25,000 professional voice talents and certified translators in 120+ languages, our team is well-equipped to handle solutions for any multilingual media distribution. Contact our experts to learn more.

Corinne Sharabi

Corinne is the Social Media and Content Lead at BLEND. She is dedicated to keeping global business professionals up to date on all things localization, translation, language and culture.

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