Tag: Children of Nature

Oscar Predictions: Touch

Iceland hasn’t had a warm reception from Oscar voters in their submissions for International Feature Film. They have put up a picture every year since 1980 and only 1991’s Children of Nature managed a nomination (falling short to Italy’s Mediterraneo). Touch from Baltasar Kormákur hits screens in limited fashion this weekend. Egill Ólafsson, Kōki, Pálmi Kormákur, Masahiro Motoki, and Yoko Narahashi star.

The filmmaker’s 2012 effort The Deep was Iceland’s contender for inclusion. It made the shortlist, but not the final cut of five. Kormákur has since helmed stateside releases including 2 Guns, Everest, Adrift, and Beast.

This decades spanning romantic drama has 93% on Rotten Tomatoes, but I’m not sure reviews are glowing enough. Iceland may well select it as their candidate. Their track records suggests it’s an uphill climb to say the least. My Oscar Prediction posts will continue…

Oscar Predictions: Godland

Icelandic drama Godland premiered at Cannes all the way back in May of 2022, but didn’t release until 2023 in most regions. That’s what it’s on the shortlisted 15 for International Feature Film at the forthcoming Oscars. Hlynur Pálmason directs. His previous effort, 2019’s A White, White Day, was also Iceland’s submission for this category. However, it didn’t make the final 15 in contention.

Reviews for Godland are at 92% on RT. While it’s been picked up some kudos at regional festivals, it hasn’t shown up for any major Academy precursors like the Globes or Critics Choice. That makes me think it’s unlikely to be Iceland’s second competitor for this award behind 1991’s Children of Nature. My Oscar Prediction posts will continue…