International Oscar Campaigning Heats Up
Under frigid temperatures, Timothée Chalamet braved the cold in Berlin's Potsdamer Platz to promote "A Complete Unknown." While attending the Berlinale screening, Chalamet greeted fans despite their votes holding no sway in the Oscars race. However, this visit remains a crucial step in the campaign, as international AMPAS voters were in attendance.
Across the continent in Paris, Demi Moore made her presence felt at Armani Privé's fashion show. Moore's "The Substance" has garnered significant attention, making her a frontrunner for her first Oscar. This fashionable appearance serves as a reminder of her talent among France's elite.
Awards campaigning has expanded globally, extending beyond traditional pit stops like London. The international nature of this year's contenders and the recognition of the global vote's influence have prompted studios and strategists to broaden their reach. This shift is strategic, given that 22% of AMPAS voters now reside outside the US.
One awards consultant credits Netflix as the catalyst for this international push, which has been widely imitated. "Roma" and "Parasite" are cited as examples of the impact international recognition can have.
The global vote has played a decisive role in recent tight races, such as Anthony Hopkins' victory in "The Father" and Emma Stone's acclaimed performance in "Poor Things."
Beyond "A Complete Unknown" and "The Substance," other contenders have actively campaigned internationally. Sean Baker's "Anora" embarked on a European tour, while Brady Corbet's "The Brutalist" has been showcased globally.
Awards advisors emphasize the importance of targeting not only London, Paris, and Berlin but also Copenhagen for documentaries. "No Other Land" leads the race with its harrowing depiction of the Israel-Palestine conflict while "Porcelain War" chronicles the Ukrainian struggle against Russian occupation. Meanwhile, the BAFTA ceremony could provide a significant boost to contenders like Edward Berger's "Conclave" and Jacques Audiard's "Emilia Pérez."
Felicity Jones' Artist of Distinction Merit at the Newport Beach Film Festival U.K. and Ireland Honors is a timely recognition just before BAFTA and the end of Academy voting.
With the Academy Awards approaching, campaign strategists are advised to continue investing in international outreach, recognizing its potential impact in this highly competitive race.