France has chosen Minotaur, directed by Andrey Zvyagintsev, to represent the country in the international feature film category at the upcoming Academy Awards. The film previously won the Grand Prize at the Cannes Film Festival, a prestigious award given by the jury at the annual event. Minotaur is a Russian-language film, and its selection marks a significant moment for France, as it highlights international cinema and cross-border cultural collaboration. The decision was made by France’s Oscar selection committee, which convened to evaluate the five shortlisted films. The process involved meetings with producers, international sales agents, and U.S. distributors who are responsible for promoting and distributing the films in the American market. This ensures that the selected film has a strong chance of reaching a wide audience and being well-received in the U.S., which is crucial for Oscar contention. Among the films considered were Minotaur, as well as others backed by well-known distributors such as Mubi, Neon, and Sony Pictures Classics. These companies are known for supporting independent and international cinema, and their involvement often signals a film’s potential for critical acclaim and awards recognition. The selection of Minotaur reflects France’s commitment to showcasing high-quality, globally resonant cinema. The film’s director, Andrey Zvyagintsev, is a renowned Russian filmmaker known for his critically acclaimed works, including Leviathan and Loveless, which have also been recognized at international film festivals. With Minotaur now representing France at the Oscars, the film is in the running for one of the most prestigious awards in the film industry.