The Academy has announced the shortlist for nominations in the Foreign Language Film category at the 2017 Oscars, and only one woman-directed film remains in the running: Maren Ade’s “Toni Erdmann.” Germany’s submission is one of nine films to make the cut.
Written and directed by Ade, “Toni Erdmann” follows Winifried (Peter Simonichek) and Ines (Sandra Hüller), a father and daughter whose personalities are radically different from one another. Ines is an overworked, polished management consultant who is deeply invested in other people’s opinions of her. Her meticulously managed life is turned upside down when Winifried, a music teacher, shows up from out of town at her work for an unexpected visit.
The dark comedy made its World Premiere at Cannes. Considered a favorite by many at the fest, “Toni Erdmann” didn’t end up snagging any awards. It did, however, win the International Federation of Film Critics (FIPRESCI) Grand Prix for best film of the year, an honor Ade accepted at the San Sebastian Film Festival’s opening night gala ceremony.
“Toni Erdmann” has since been nominated for and received many awards. The film swept the the main categories of the 2016 European Film Awards, taking home Best Film, Best Director, Best Screenplay, and acting honors for stars Huller and Simonischek. Ade is the first woman to win Best Film at the awards in their entire 29 years. “Toni Erdmann” came in at number one on Sight & Sound’s prestigious annual critics’ poll. The UK Magazine asked 163 critics and curators to name their five best films of the year, and Ade’s third feature came out victorious and made history: This year’s list marks the first time that a woman-directed film has taken the top spot.
Ade told Women and Hollywood that she was drawn to this story because she wanted to “tell something about family — about the assigned roles everybody plays in families, and about the wish to break out of that and to start from zero.”
The Academy announced all of the submissions for Best Foreign Language Film back in October. Sixteen of the 85 films competing for nominations were women-directed — about 19 percent.
Nominations for the 89th Oscars will be announced January 24, and the ceremony will take place February 26 in Hollywood.
“Toni Erdmann” opens in the U.S. December 25.
