L’estranea selected as Italy’s Oscar entry for Best International Feature

Paolo Strippoli’s film “L’estranea” has been selected to represent Italy in the Best International Feature Film category for the 99th Academy Awards. The decision was announced by the Italian film selection committee, established by ANICA on behalf of the Academy.

Filmed in the Puglia region, the production involved the Apulia Film Commission and Dinamo Film. Following its success at the Venice Film Festival, the film now awaits the Academy’s announcement of the 15-film shortlist in mid-December.

This selection marks a significant moment for Italian cinema, which has not reached the final five nominees since “Io capitano” in 2023. The film enters a competitive field that includes notable international contenders such as Spain’s “La bola negra,” Denmark’s “Woman Unknown,” and Romania’s “Fjord.”