The expectation was in the air, the excitement palpable, but in the end, Catalan cinema left the Oscars empty-handed. Despite the nominations and hopes, neither “The Snow Society” nor “Robot Dreams” managed to take home a statuette on the most important night of world cinema.
For many, it could have been the Catalan night at the Oscars, a moment for the region’s cinema to shine brightly on the international stage. However, that was not the case this time.
Although “The Snow Society” had three nominations, including the expected Best Foreign Film category, and “Robot dreams” was hailed as one of the best animated films of the season, in the end luck was not on its side.
Catalan cinema
In the case of “The Snow Society”, directed by the Catalan J.A. Bayona, expectations were high. The film competed in two categories, including Best Makeup and Hairstyling for its ability to transform the actors into the survivors of Uruguayan Air Force Flight 571, which tragically crashed in the Andes Mountains in 1972.
However, the Hollywood Academy chose to recognize two awards, Best Sound and Best International Film, for Jonathan Glazer’s “Zone of Interest”, leaving “The Snow Society” without an award, at least in this competition.
On the other hand, “Robot dreams” also faced stiff competition in the Best Animated Feature category, where it was up against the imposing presence of “The Boy and the Heron” by the legendary Hayao Miyazaki, which in the end won the statuette.
Despite being hailed as one of the best animated productions of the season, the Catalan film could not surpass the Japanese masterpiece.
Other awards received
Although the night of the Oscars did not turn out as expected for Catalan cinema, the success that these films have had in other areas cannot be ignored. “The Snow Society” swept the Goya Awards, winning a total of 12 statuettes and becoming one of the most awarded films in the history of these awards.
In the same way, “Robot dreams” has contributed to consolidate Catalan animation as one of the best in the world, following in the footsteps of other Spanish productions that have left their mark internationally.
Although Oscar night did not live up to expectations for Catalan cinema, these films continue to demonstrate the talent and creativity of the region’s film industry.
With its success in other awards and its impact on the international scene, Catalan cinema continues to be a force on the world film scene.
