LONDON — “The Diving Bell and the Butterfly,” “The Kite Runner,” “The Lives of Others,” “Lust, Caution” and La Vie en Rose” will vie for the British Academy of Film and Television Arts’ foreign-language film award.
The 2008 nominees were selected by a newly created chapter vote, comprising academy voting members with expertise in a specific area of the film industry. The five films were announced ahead of the announcement of the nominations in other categories, which will take place later this month.
This early announcement of the nominations allows the members a longer period to view the five films in contention and gives a greater profile to this year’s crop of foreign-language films.
“We are delighted to be able to announce the contenders for this award today, chosen by BAFTA members who watch a large number of foreign language films and who have a great interest in world cinema,” BAFTA film committee chair Finola Dwyer said.
Nominations for this year’s Orange Rising Star Award will be announced Tuesday, and all other nominations for the Orange British Academy Film Awards will come Jan. 16. The Orange British Academy Film Awards are set for Feb. 10.
