The cast of Vietnam’s wartime film "Red Rain"
Earlier, on November 21, Red Rain was deemed eligible by AMPAS for consideration in the Best International Feature Film category and was included in the longlist of 86 titles. However, Vietnam’s blockbuster was eliminated from the shortlist of 15 titles ahead of the official nomination announcement.
Other representatives from Southeast Asia likewise failed to make the shortlist. According to Variety, final nominations in the shortlisted categories will be determined in the coming weeks. Oscar voting opens on January 12 and closes on January 16. Nominations will be announced on January 22.
Directed by Meritorious Artist Dang Thai Huyen and produced by the People’s Army Cinema, Red Rain is a fictional wartime drama inspired by the 81-day battle at the Quang Tri Ancient Citadel in central Vietnam. Since its release, the film has shattered domestic box office records, drawing 8.1 million viewers and grossing VND 710 billion as of September 29, making it the most-watched Vietnamese film of all time.