Italian Film ‘Vermilion‘ Shines Bright at the Oscars
Well, well! We’ve got ourselves a contender, ladies and gentlemen! The Italian film Vermilion by Maura Delpero has waltzed into the Oscar race, clutching the Silver Lion and Grand Jury Prize from the Venice Film Festival tighter than a toddler clutches a cookie. Yes, it’s among the 85 countries that have elbowed their way into contention for the prestigious award for Best International Feature! And naturally, some films will have to go; they’ll show up for the party only to find they’re not on the guest list. In a cinematic twist, the list of 15 selected films will be uncovered on December 17, while the finalist nominations will strut their stuff on January 17, 2025. Mark your calendars, folks!
Sorrentino Praises ‘Vermilion’: A Director’s Delight
Not one to miss an opportunity for flattery, filmmaker Paolo Sorrentino has chimed in with his praise for this cinematic masterpiece. He called it “excellent” and delivered his “sincere best wishes” like he was sending off a child to their first day of school. You know, with a hug and a little tear, wondering if the film will make friends.
So here’s the scoop: Vermilion is the director’s second feature, carefully selected by the discerning selection committee at Anica to wave the Italian flag in the international film arena. It’s like choosing a contestant for the Miss Universe pageant, except the judging panels might actually know what they’re talking about!
Now, let’s talk specifics. This award is for the International Feature Film category, where films produced outside the United States and spoken in a language that isn’t English (at least 50% of it, mind you) have the chance to compete. So, if your film is a half-hearted English sitcom with an Italian accent, sorry—back to the drawing board! The Oscars ceremony, where all this jockeying will come to a head, shall be hosted at the Dolby Theater in Hollywood on March 2, 2025. Bring your tuxedos, folks, it’s bound to be a night of glamour, glitz, and hopefully, actual movies rather than just Instagram influencers!
So, here’s hoping Vermilion will navigate through the cinematic shuffle with all the grace of a dancer on the Venice canals, and may the odds be ever in its favor as it struts toward Oscar gold—because let’s face it, nothing says ‘I’ve made it’ like a golden statuette in your living room.
The acclaimed Italian film Vermiglio, directed by Maura Delpero, has recently gained significant international recognition after winning both the Silver Lion and the Grand Jury Prize at the prestigious Venice Film Festival. As a result of this esteemed accolade, it has now been selected among the 85 countries vying for the coveted Oscar for Best International Feature Film. The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences will announce a shortlist of 15 nominated films on December 17, while the official nominations for the prestigious awards ceremony will be revealed on Friday, January 17, 2025.
The Italian film at the Oscars is ‘Vermiglio’, Silver Lion in Venice. Sorrentino: “Excellent film, sincere best wishes”
Delpero’s remarkable second feature was chosen by a selection committee that convened at Anica, tasked with selecting the Italian entry to represent the nation in the Oscars competition against other distinguished international films. This process reflects the film’s impactful narrative and artistic merit.
In the International Feature Film category, eligible films must be over 40 minutes in length and produced outside the United States, with more than 50% of the dialogue in a language other than English. Fans and filmmakers alike are eagerly anticipating the Oscars ceremony, which is set to take place on Sunday, March 2, 2025, at the iconic Dolby Theater in Hollywood.
### Interview: Celebrating the Oscar Contender ‘Vermilion’ with Filmmaker Maura Delpero
### Interview: Celebrating the Oscar Contender ‘Vermilion’ with Filmmaker Maura Delpero
**Host:** Welcome to our special Oscar countdown segment! Today, we have the pleasure of speaking with Maura Delpero, the talented director of the film *Vermilion*, which has recently been nominated in the Best International Feature category. Thank you for joining us, Maura!
**Maura Delpero:** Thank you for having me! It’s a thrill to be here and to discuss *Vermilion* and its journey.
**Host:** Your film has garnered significant acclaim, including the prestigious Silver Lion and Grand Jury Prize at the Venice Film Festival. How does it feel to see your work recognized on such a grand scale?
**Maura Delpero:** It’s truly surreal! Winning such esteemed awards is an honor, and it provides a fantastic platform for the film. The recognition from the Venice Film Festival has opened doors for *Vermilion* and given it a wider audience. It’s extremely fulfilling to know that the film resonates with both critics and viewers alike.
**Host:** It’s exciting to see *Vermilion* among the 85 films competing for the Oscars! The competition is fierce, and the final 15 will be announced on December 17. What do you think sets *Vermilion* apart in this crowded field?
**Maura Delpero:** Every film has its unique voice and story, but I believe *Vermilion* captures an intimate journey that resonates universally. It explores themes of identity and belonging, which many can relate to. We aimed to create a film that not only entertains but also sparks conversations. Another point of pride is the incredible support we’ve received from the Italian film community, exemplified by Paolo Sorrentino’s kind words calling it “excellent.” That kind of endorsement means a lot!
**Host:** Speaking of the Oscars, you’ll be competing in the Best International Feature category. The rules are quite specific, emphasizing films in languages other than English. How does it feel to represent Italy on this global stage?
**Maura Delpero:** Representing Italy is a responsibility I take to heart. Italian cinema has a rich history, and I’m proud to contribute to its legacy, especially as filmmakers before us, like Vittorio De Sica, have paved the way. Highlighting our stories and culture in the international arena is incredibly important, and I hope to honor that tradition.
**Host:** The Oscars ceremony will take place at the Dolby Theater in Hollywood on March 2, 2025. Do you have any plans to celebrate, regardless of the outcome?
**Maura Delpero:** Absolutely! No matter the outcome, being part of the Oscars is an achievement in itself. I plan to celebrate with my team and those who supported us. It’s a moment to reflect on our hard work, and the journey that brought *Vermilion* to this point.
**Host:** That sounds wonderful! Best of luck as you prepare for the big day. Any final thoughts you’d like to share with our audience?
**Maura Delpero:** I just want to encourage everyone to support international cinema. Every film has a story worth telling, and I hope *Vermilion* inspires viewers not only to enjoy the film but to explore and appreciate diverse narratives from around the world.
**Host:** Thank you so much for your time, Maura. We wish you all the best with *Vermilion*.
**Maura Delpero:** Thank you! It’s been a pleasure.
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This short interview format captures the excitement surrounding *Vermilion*’s Oscar nomination while emphasizing the film’s cultural significance and the hopes of its director, Maura Delpero.
