Why the Argentina Cinema Academy Should Select “Belén” Over “Homo Argentum” for International Film Representation

‘Belén’ Gains Momentum as Argentina‘s Oscar Hopeful

Published on September 16, 2025

Buenos Aires – the selection process for Argentina’s entry for the Best International feature Film category at the upcoming Academy Awards is gaining traction, with “Belén,” directed by and starring Dolores Fonzi, increasingly considered the most viable candidate. Experts suggest the film’s narrative and thematic elements align more closely with the preferences of the Hollywood Academy than other contenders.

The Strategic Choice: beyond Artistic Merit

While artistic merit undoubtedly plays a role, insiders emphasize that the selection hinges on identifying a film with the highest probability of securing a nomination. The Academy members will ultimately choose the film they like best, but the focus is on which entry can advance thru the selection stages-the shortlist of 15 finalists announced on December 15, 2025, and the final five nominees revealed on February 10, 2026.

Several films are in the running, including Hernán Rosselli’s “Something new, something old, somewhat borrowed” and Rodrigo Moreno’s “The criminals.” Tho, analysts beleive these films may struggle to appeal to the Academy’s broader tastes, despite potential critical acclaim on the festival circuit. “Something new, something old, somewhat borrowed”, while potentially strong critically, is deemed less likely to resonate with Academy voters.

‘Belén’: Echoes of Past Success

“Belén” benefits from parallels to Argentina’s previous oscar nominee, “Argentina, 1985,” which received a nomination in 2023. Like “Argentina, 1985,” “Belén” is a judicial thriller inspired by real-life events and centers on an individual navigating remarkable circumstances – in this case, a lawyer facing intense pressure while taking on a challenging case. Both films feature compelling narratives of courage and resilience.

Both pictures highlight the experiences of ordinary people tackling difficult tasks amid escalating threats directed at themselves and relatives. Moreover, both narratives involve a team of younger collaborators working alongside the central protagonists.

Key Factors Favoring ‘Belén’

Beyond the narrative similarities, “Belén” distinguishes itself as a film written, directed, and starring women, an element anticipated to attract positive attention. The film is also backed by Amazon Studios, providing a important distribution and promotional advantage.

Film Title	Director	Genre	Oscar Potential (Assessment)
Belén	Dolores fonzi	Judicial Thriller	High
Something new, something old, somewhat borrowed	Hernán rosselli	Drama	Low
The criminals	Rodrigo Moreno	Crime Drama	Low
Man’s silver	Mariano cohn & Gastón Duprat	Comedy-Drama	Moderate

Did you Know? Argentina has been nominated for the Best International Feature Film Oscar nineteen times, winning the award in 1986 with “The Official Story.”

Pro Tip: Understanding the Academy’s voting patterns and preferences is crucial for predicting which films will gain traction. Films that address global themes and feature compelling characters often perform well.

The final decision rests with the members of the Argentine Academy of Arts and cinematographic Sciences.Though, early indications suggest that “belén” possesses a unique combination of qualities that could propel it to a successful Oscar campaign.

The Oscar Selection Process: A Year-Round Effort

The path to an Oscar nomination for Best International Feature Film is a lengthy and complex one, beginning long before the awards ceremony. Each country submits one film, and the Academy then undertakes a multi-stage selection process. Films are initially reviewed by committees,then narrowed down to a shortlist,and the five nominees are announced.Success often depends not only on the quality of the film but also on strategic campaigning and effective outreach to Academy voters.

Frequently Asked Questions About Argentina’s Oscar entry

• What is the significance of the Oscar nomination for Argentina? The Oscar nomination provides international exposure and recognition for Argentine cinema.
• What qualities make “Belén” a strong contender? Its compelling narrative, relatable themes, and strong female lead contribute to its Oscar potential.
• What role does Amazon Studios play in the film’s Oscar campaign? Amazon’s distribution and promotional resources significantly enhance the film’s visibility.
• How does “Belén” compare to “Argentina,1985” in terms of Oscar potential? Both films share thematic and narrative similarities that could appeal to Academy voters.
• Are there any other Argentine films with a chance at an Oscar? While other films are in contention, ‘Belén’ is currently considered the most likely candidate.

What are your thoughts on Argentina’s Oscar contenders this year? Do you think “Belén” has the best chance of earning a nomination? Share your opinions in the comments below!

Does “Belén”‘s thematic focus on [FilmS central theme] offer a more universally resonant narrative compared to “Homo Argentum”‘s exploration of [Film’s central theme]?

Choosing the right film to represent Argentina on the international stage is a critical decision. For the upcoming awards season, the Argentina Cinema Academy faces a compelling choice between “Belén” and “Homo Argentum.” While both films showcase Argentinian talent, “Belén” presents a stronger case for international recognition, offering broader appeal, thematic resonance, and a greater potential to elevate Argentinian cinema globally. This article will detail why “Belén” is the superior choice for Oscar consideration and international film festival submissions.

Thematic Depth and Global Appeal: “Belén”‘s Advantage

“Belén,” directed by[Director’sName-[Director’sName-research needed], tackles the complex issue of[Film’scentraltheme-[Film’scentraltheme-research needed]within a rural Argentinian setting. This focus, while deeply rooted in Argentinian culture, explores universally relatable themes of[List3-4universalthemes-[List3-4universalthemes-research needed]. This is crucial for international audiences.

* accessibility: The narrative structure of “Belén” is more accessible to a wider audience compared to the potentially niche subject matter of “Homo argentum.”

* Emotional Resonance: Early screenings of “Belén” have demonstrated a strong emotional impact on viewers, regardless of their cultural background. This emotional connection is vital for garnering critical acclaim and audience engagement.

* Contemporary Relevance: The film’s exploration of [Film’s central theme] aligns with current global conversations surrounding[Relatedglobalissues-[Relatedglobalissues-research needed], increasing its relevance and potential for discussion.

In contrast, “Homo Argentum,” while potentially innovative, centers on[film’scentraltheme-[film’scentraltheme-research needed]. While this is a valid artistic exploration, its subject matter may limit its appeal to a more specialized audience, hindering its chances of widespread recognition. Consider the success of films like Roma (2018) and Parasite (2019) – both films resonated globally because of their universal themes presented through a culturally specific lens.

Artistic merit and Technical Excellence: A Comparative Analysis

Both films demonstrate technical proficiency,but “Belén” distinguishes itself through its nuanced storytelling and visual artistry.

Cinematography and Visual Storytelling

“Belén” boasts stunning cinematography by[Cinematographer’sname-[Cinematographer’sname-research needed], effectively capturing the beauty and harshness of the argentinian landscape. The visual language of the film is integral to its narrative, enhancing the emotional impact of key scenes. This is a key element in attracting attention from international film critics and awards bodies.

* Use of Natural light: The film’s reliance on natural light creates a sense of authenticity and realism, immersing the viewer in the world of the story.

* Composition and Framing: The purposeful composition and framing of shots contribute to the film’s overall aesthetic and thematic coherence.

“Homo Argentum’s” visual style, while potentially striking, appears to prioritize[Film’svisualstyle-[Film’svisualstyle-research needed]over narrative clarity. This stylistic choice, while artistically valid, may prove distracting for international audiences unfamiliar with the film’s specific aesthetic conventions.

Performance and Direction

The performances in “Belén” are universally praised, particularly the lead performance by[LeadActor/ActressName-[LeadActor/ActressName-research needed].The director’s ability to elicit such nuanced and compelling performances is a testament to their skill and vision. Strong acting performances are consistently recognized by international awards organizations.

International Film Marketability and Distribution Potential

“Belén” possesses several qualities that make it more marketable to international distributors.

* Genre Appeal: The film falls into the[FilmGenre-[FilmGenre-research needed]genre, which consistently attracts international audiences.

* Festival Circuit Potential: “Belén” is well-suited for submission to prestigious international film festivals such as Cannes, Venice, and Toronto, providing valuable exposure and critical acclaim.

* Distribution Network: The film’s themes and style align with the preferences of several established international distributors specializing in[Specificdistributionniche-[Specificdistributionniche-research needed].

“Homo Argentum,” due to its[Film’sspecificcharacteristics-[Film’sspecificcharacteristics-research needed], may face challenges in securing widespread international distribution. Its niche appeal could limit its reach and potential for commercial success.

Case Study: The success of “El Secreto de Sus Ojos” (2009)

The 2009 Oscar winner for Best Foreign Language Film, “El Secreto de Sus Ojos,” serves as a valuable case study. The film’s success stemmed from its compelling narrative, strong performances, and universal themes of justice, memory, and love. It wasn’t simply a “good Argentinian film”; it was a great film that resonated with audiences worldwide. “Belén” shares these qualities, positioning it for similar success.

Practical Tips for Maximizing “Belén”‘s International Campaign

Should the Argentina Cinema Academy select “Belén,” a strategic international campaign is crucial.

1. targeted Festival Submissions: Prioritize submissions to festivals known for championing films with similar themes and styles.
2. Public Relations and Media Outreach: Engage a reputable international