Foreign Film Oscar Winner...

Volver

Updated On: 12/31/06 at 03:49 PM

I really loved both and would be happy with either winning, but I'm guessing that it'll go to Pan's Labyrinth, in part because while Volver is a terrific film, it's simply yet another in a long string of great work from Almodovar, while Pan's Labyrinth seems like a major breakthrough for Del Toro.

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I thought it was from Mexico (I know del Toro is Mexican).

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The rules used to say the language of the film needed to correspond to the language of the country. That, as of this year, is no longer true.

However, each country is only allowed one submission. Which I find absurd.

Also, there was a slight change in how the 5 nominees are selected. Now, it begins with a LA-based committee selected 9 films, and a second committee selecting 5 of those.

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I was raised in South America so it's nice to see two Spanish-language films being considered for next year's Oscar. I think both movies are deserving of the award but hope it goes to Pan's Labyrinth. We all know Almodovar is one of the best directors working at the time (I just rented Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown for the fiftieth time), but I believe Pan's Labyrinth was a revelation. Volver will hopefully get recognized in the Screenwriting and Best Actress categories(loved Hellen Mirren, but found Cruz to be a revelation in Volver).

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