Kochi: The Malayalam survival drama movie ‘2018: Everyone Is A Hero’ directed by Jude Anthany Joseph, is out of the Oscars race. The movie, which was selected as India’s official entry in the Best International Feature Film category at the 96th academy awards 2024, has failed to secure a spot on the shortlist of 15 films. The shortlist was announced by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS) on Friday.

The movie, starring Tovino Thomas, Kunhacko Boban, Indrans, Asif Ali, Tanvi Ram, Aparna Balamurali, etc. and set against the backdrop of devastating 2018 flood in Kerala was selected as official entry for Oscar, as it deals with a global issue with harrowing details of a natural calamity.

After the movie failed to find a spot in the shortlist, director Jude Anthany Joseph posted a note in his social media accounts thanking those who extended support to the movie. “I sincerely apologize 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. Being the highest-grossing film and the official Indian entry to the Oscars is a rare achievement in any filmmaker’s career. ... My heartfelt thanks go to the producers, technicians, artists, and the audience for their tremendous support for our film”, he wrote on Facebook.

Jonathan Glazer’s historical drama ‘The Zone Of Interest’ (UK), Denmark’s ‘The Promised Land,’ starring Mads Mikkelsen, and ‘Perfect Days’ from Japan are being billed as the frontrunners of the category. The shortlist also includes ‘Amerikatsi’ (Armenia), ‘The Monk And The Gun’ (Bhutan), ‘Fallen Leaves’ (Finland), ‘The Taste Of Things’ (France), ‘The Teachers’ Lounge’ (Germany), ‘Godland’ (Iceland), ‘Io Capitano’ (Italy), ‘Totem’ (Mexico), ‘The Mother Of All Lies’ (Morocco), ‘Society Of The Snow’ (Spain), ‘Four Daughters’ (Tunisia) ‘20 Days In Mariupol’ (Ukraine). Films from 88 countries were eligible in the category. The shortlisted movies will advance to the next round of voting.

Despite the setback, Joseph expressed gratitude to the producers, technicians, artists, and the audience for their support.

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences announced shortlists in 10 categories, including best original song, documentary feature, international feature, original score, and crafts like hair and makeup, visual effects and sound. Greta Gerwig's "Barbie," Christopher Nolan's "Oppenheimer" and Martin Scorsese's "Killers Of The Flower Moon" were prominently represented among the finalists. Mstyslav Chernov's "20 Days In Mariupol" was shortlisted in both the documentary and international feature categories, representing Ukraine. The films are one step closer to an Oscar nomination.