'Heneral Luna' up against 80 entries in Oscars foreign language film category

"Heneral Luna", the hit historical biopic on General Antonio Luna directed by Jerrold Tarog, is competing against 80 other films in the Oscars Foreign Language Film category, according to the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences' announcement of nominees.

 

"Heneral Luna" has tough competition in the field of 81 entries, which is just two films short of the record 83 set in 2014.

The Academy posted the announcement on its website on October 8 at 12:45 US Pacific Time (Friday afternoon, October 9, PHL time).

The Hollywood Reporter reported that some of the films "have already made their mark on the festival circuit."
 

"For example, Hungary's Son of Saul, the searing holocaust drama directed by Laszlo Nemes, won the grand prix at this year's Cannes Film Festival, while Taiwan's The Assassin earned Hou Hsiao-hsien best director honors at Cannes," The Hollywood Reporter said.

 

The Hollywood Reporter also noted that "China submitted Han Yan's "Go Away Mr. Tumor," the story of cartoonist Xiong Dun, which has been a popular hit in China."



"Heneral Luna" has grossed over P200 million and is now on its fifth week in Philippine theaters since it was released last September 9.

"Heneral Luna" stars John Arcilla as General Antonio Luna. Also part of the cast are Arron Villaflor, Joem Bascon, Archie Alemania, Alex Medina, Art Acuña, Mon Confiado, Epy Quizon, Bing Pimentel, Paulo Avelino, Mylene Dizon, Alvin Anson, Nonie Buencamino, Lorenz Martinez, Leo Martinez, and Ketchup Eusebio.

The subtitled version of the Philippines' Oscars entry will be playing in select movie theaters in Metro Manila, according to a post on the film's official Facebook page.

• Cambodia, "The Last Reel," Sotho Kulikar, director;
• Singapore, "7 Letters," Royston Tan, Kelvin Tong, Eric Khoo, Jack Neo, Tan Pin Pin, Boo Junfeng, K. Rajagopal, directors;
• Thailand, "How to Win at Checkers (Every Time)," Josh Kim, director; and
• Vietnam, "Jackpot," Dustin Nguyen, director.

Paraguay is competing for the first time in the Oscars with its entry, "Cloudy Times," directed by Arami Ullón.



The Philippines has not yet won an Oscar in the Foreign Language Film category or any other Oscars category. 

Tony Award winner Lea Salonga provided the singing voice for Princess Jasmine for "Aladdin," with Brad Kane singing for the title character. "A Whole New World" became a worldwide hit and won an Oscar in 1993.

 

The 88th Academy Awards nominations will be announced live on January 14, 2016, at 5:30 a.m. (US Pacific Time) at the Samuel Goldwyn Theater in Beverly Hills.

 

February 28, 2016 will be Oscars night at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood.

 

"The Oscar presentation also will be televised live in more than 225 countries and territories worldwide," the Academy said.

Last year, Best Foreign Language Film honors went to "Ida" from Poland. The director was Pawel Pawlikowski. Nominees were "Leviathan" (Russia), "Tangerines" (Estonia), "Timbuktu" (Mauritania), and "Wild Tales" (Argentina).  — Earl Victor L. Rosero, GMA News