Japan’s film academy has selected Ryusuke Hamaguchi’s latest feature, All of a Sudden, as the country’s official candidate for the Best International Feature Film category at the next Academy Awards. The announcement, made public on Wednesday, positions the drama as a major contender in a race that has already seen several high-profile entries from around the globe.
The choice comes as little surprise to industry observers who have tracked Hamaguchi’s rising international profile over the past half-decade. Known for his meticulous character studies and restrained emotional storytelling, the director has become a festival darling, with previous works earning praise at Cannes and beyond. All of a Sudden, which premiered earlier this year to strong critical notices, reportedly continues his exploration of human relationships under quiet, everyday pressures - though specific plot details remain under wraps for audiences who have not yet caught it in theaters.
The Oscars, formally the Academy Awards, represent the pinnacle of cinematic recognition in the United States, with winners receiving the statuette universally known as the Oscar. For Japan, the selection process is managed by the Motion Picture Producers Association of Japan, which evaluates domestic releases across a range of criteria, including artistic merit and international accessibility. The submission marks Hamaguchi’s second time representing his country after 2021’s Drive My Car, which went on to win the category - a historic victory that cemented his name in the minds of Academy voters.
That prior success will inevitably shape expectations for All of a Sudden. When Drive My Car took home the prize, it was celebrated not just for its narrative depth but also for its careful pacing and adaptation of Haruki Murakami’s source material. Hamaguchi’s new film, while distinct in tone, is said to share that same deliberate rhythm - an approach that has divided some mainstream viewers but resonated deeply with international juries. The selection committee’s decision suggests a bet on continuity, banking that the goodwill generated by Hamaguchi’s previous Oscar triumph will carry over.
Still, the road to the final nominee list remains long. The Academy’s International Feature Film branch will review all submitted titles over the coming months, with a shortlist expected in December and the official nominations announced in January. Historically, Japan has enjoyed strong representation in this category, with more than a dozen submissions over the decades, though only a handful have advanced to the final round. Hamaguchi’s participation guarantees a certain level of buzz, but it’s far from a lock - the field often includes unexpected entries from smaller industries that capture the branch’s attention through sheer artistic audacity.
Early handicappers point to several other formidable candidates already in the mix, including entries from France, South Korea, and Mexico, all of which have demonstrated recent muscle in this category. The International Feature race has grown increasingly competitive in the streaming era, with more countries prioritizing the submission as a cultural calling card. For Japan, leaning on a proven auteur rather than a breakout unknown signals a strategic move - one that acknowledges the shifting landscape while betting on familiarity.
Notably, All of a Sudden has not yet had a wide release in the United States, which could complicate its visibility during the nomination window. Distributors often time domestic rollouts to coincide with awards season, and it’s widely expected that an American distributor will pick up the film in the coming weeks. Hamaguchi’s previous works have performed well in art-house circuits, and early reviews from international film festivals have emphasized the quiet power of the performances, particularly from the lead actors, whose names have not been widely announced to American audiences.
Beyond the awards implications, the selection also reignites conversation about Japan’s evolving film industry. While the country produces a staggering volume of cinema every year - ranging from anime to blockbuster franchises - its live-action prestige dramas have historically struggled to break through in Western markets. Hamaguchi has become something of an exception, offering a bridge between domestic sensibilities and global festival tastes. His films often translate remarkably well, in part because they focus on universal emotions rather than cultural signifiers that might alienate foreign viewers.
For Hamaguchi, the announcement adds another layer to what has already been a banner year. He has been vocal in interviews about his interest in long-form storytelling, and reports suggest he is already at work on multiple projects, including a potential television collaboration. But for now, the immediate focus rests on All of a Sudden and its journey through the awards circuit. The film’s title, which hints at unexpected change, feels almost prophetic - given that a win would mark a rare back-to-back accomplishment for any director in this category.
As the season unfolds, all eyes will turn to the film’s campaign strategy, its festival honors, and the inevitable wave of critics’ circle awards that often foreshadow Academy behavior. The selection itself, however, has already achieved one goal: putting Japan firmly on the map for yet another Oscars race. Whether All of a Sudden can repeat the magic of Drive My Car remains to be seen, but the early signs are encouraging. For now, Hamaguchi’s supporters have every reason to feel optimistic.
Source: The Hollywood Reporter
