New Delhi: The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences on Friday announced the shortlists in 10 categories for the upcoming 96th Oscars ceremony. India’s official entry to the Oscars, Tovino Thomas-starrer survival drama Malayalam film ‘2018 - Everyone is a Hero’, failed to make it to the list.
Filmmaker Jude Anthany Joseph shared a note on Instagram after the film was out of the Oscars race.
Joseph took to Instagram, sharing a picture of the list of shortlisted projects with the names of the countries.
He wrote, “Greetings, everyone. The Oscar shortlist has been unveiled, and regrettably, our film '2018- Everyone Is A Hero' did not secure a spot among the final 15 films out of the 88 international language films from across the globe. I sincerely apologise to all my well-wishers and supporters for disappointing you all.”
“Nevertheless, the opportunity to represent India in this competition has been a dream-like journey that I will cherish for a lifetime,” he wrote.
He added: “Being the highest-grossing film and the official Indian entry to the Oscars is a rare achievement in any filmmaker’s career. I am grateful to God for choosing me for this extraordinary journey. My heartfelt thanks go to the producers, technicians, artists, and the audience for their tremendous support for our film.”
He shared a special expression of gratitude to the Film Federation Of India.
“Particularly Sir Ravi Kottarakkara, for their boundless support, love, and for selecting our film as India’s official entry. I express my gratitude to all the Indian filmmakers who supported me on this journey, with special thanks to Pan Nalin, Sidharth Roy Kapoor, Guneet Monga, Rintu Thomas, Ashutosh Gowarikar sir, Resul Pookkutty sir, Anurag Kashyap, Rajamouli sir, Senthi sir and many more. I express my gratitude to all my supporters in Los Angeles and eagerly anticipate the meetings that we have already scheduled.”
The filmmaker wished the best for those who have made it into the list.
"I extend my best wishes to all the finalists, with a special mention to Sol, my dear friend and the producer of the Armenian film. The inception of the next dream begins today, as the Oscars await, and I am poised to be present. Until we meet, dear Oscar."
'2018 - Everyone is a Hero’ follows the true story of unprecedented rains and floods that hit Kerala in 2018. The film also stars Kunchacko Boban, Asif Ali, Vineeth Sreenivasan, Narain, and Lal.