‘Iraqi Odyssey’ comes to an end in Oscar race

Gathering dust: it's been 25 years since Switzerland won an Oscar for Best Foreign Language Film Keystone

“Iraqi Odyssey” by Swiss director Samir, Switzerland’s entry for Best Foreign Language Film at the 88^th Academy Awards, has failed to make the final nine. 

The almost three-hour 3D documentary focuses on both family and global history, from the Ottoman era to today, as told by people close to the director from around the world.  

Switzerland had also put the film forward in the documentary section, but it wasn’t nominated there either. 

Seven of the nine nominees (see box) come from Europe. The shortlist will be reduced to five on January 14, with the eventual winner being announced at the awards ceremony in Los Angeles on February 28. 

The most recent Swiss actor or director to wave around an Oscar was Xavier Koller for his immigrant drama “Journey of Hope”, named Best Foreign Language Film in 1991.

Nominees

Belgium, “The Brand New Testament,” Jaco Van Dormael;

Colombia, “Embrace of the Serpent,” Ciro Guerra;

Denmark, “A War,” Tobias Lindholm;

Finland, “The Fencer,” Klaus Härö;

France, “Mustang,” Deniz Gamze Ergüven;

Germany, “Labyrinth of Lies,” Giulio Ricciarelli;

Hungary, “Son of Saul,” László Nemes;

Ireland, “Viva,” Paddy Breathnach;

Jordan, “Theeb,” Naji Abu Nowar.