In a groundbreaking achievement for Armenian cinema, Michael Goorjian’s AMERIKATSI has etched its name in history by becoming the first film from Armenia to make the shortlist for Best International Feature Film at the Academy Awards.
This monumental moment celebrates the film’s artistic excellence and marks the beginning of a new era of global recognition for Armenia’s film industry.
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, in its recent announcement of shortlists for several categories, included AMERIKATSI among the top 15 contenders.
This inclusion is particularly significant, given the rigorous selection process for the Best International Feature Film category.
Armenia has submitted films for consideration only 13 times since 1991, with two submissions being disqualified due to not meeting the requirements. Thus, Armenia had never previously made the shortlist, let alone been nominated for an Oscar in this category, making this shortlisting a historic moment for Armenian cinema.
The nominations voting period is set from January 11-16, 2024, with the official nominations to be announced on January 23, 2024. The Academy Awards ceremony will take place on March 10, 2024.
This milestone is not just a triumph for AMERIKATSI but also serves as a beacon of inspiration for the future of Armenian cinema, potentially paving the way for increased international collaborations and a burgeoning interest in films from Armenia.
Director Michael Goorjian, an acclaimed filmmaker, has been a pivotal figure in bringing this story to life. His artistic vision, coupled with the compelling performance of lead actor Hovik Keuchkerian, whose rich career spans significant roles in cinema, has been instrumental in the film’s success.
AMERIKATSI’s recognition at the Oscars is a testament to the film’s universal appeal and the growing stature of Armenian cinema on the international stage.
