Pakistani film Joyland shortlisted for Oscars

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has shortlisted the Pakistani film "Joyland" directed by Saim Sadiq, for the 95th Oscars Awards.

The film becomes Pakistan's first selection in Oscar's International Feature Film category.

Total 15-film shortlist of movies that will advance to the nomination process for the Best International Feature Film Oscar. As we have previously reported, this is a year without a hands-down front-runner, and all of the movies in our preview have made the cut. See the full shortlist below.

While there were no jarring snubs on AMPAS’ shortlist, one film we weren’t sure about making the cut is India’s submission, Last Film Show, which did make it. This is the first time that India has been shortlisted since Lagaan was nominated 20 years ago. Along with Pan Nalin’s Last Film Show, a testament to the whole of the Indian market is that another movie, RRR, has been recognized by U.S. bodies in other categories.

International Feature Oscar Shortlist: Pakistan Makes Cut For First Time With ‘Joyland’; No Major Snubs https://t.co/fzubgAPCEY

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In Pakistan, the film Joyland has been facing bans and criticism from certain quarters of society for allegedly promoting immorality.