Get ready for a cinematic showdown! Italy has thrown its hat into the Oscar ring with a bold and controversial choice for Best International Feature Film. Francesco Costabile’s Familia is not just another movie—it’s a gripping exploration of a far-right militant’s youth and the haunting legacy of a toxic, violent upbringing. But here’s where it gets intriguing: Familia isn’t just a story; it’s a mirror to society’s darker corners, based on Luigi Celeste’s biographical memoir. The film premiered at the Venice Film Festival’s Horizons sidebar last year, where it snagged the Best Actor award for Francesco Gheghi, who delivers a raw and unforgettable performance as Luigi. And this is the part most people miss: Francesco Di Leva, who co-stars alongside Barbara Ronchi, also took home Italy’s prestigious David di Donatello award for Best Supporting Actor. Produced by Attilio de Razza and Nicola Picone for Tramp Limited, with powerhouse co-producers like Nicola Giuliano and Pierpaolo Verga, Familia is a collaboration that’s hard to ignore. True Colours is handling international sales, ensuring this Italian gem reaches global audiences. But here’s the twist: Familia wasn’t the only contender. It beat out 23 other films, including Gianfranco Rosi’s Below the Clouds, Pietro Marcello’s Duse, and Leonardo Di Costanzo’s Elisa. Is Familia the right choice, or did Italy overlook a stronger candidate? One film notably absent from the race is Paolo Sorrentino’s La Grazia, which opened the Venice Film Festival this year but missed the Oscar eligibility window due to its January release date. Sorrentino, the last Italian director to win the Best International Feature Oscar in 2014 for The Great Beauty, remains a towering figure in Italian cinema. Italy’s last Oscar nomination was in 2024 for Matteo Garrone’s Io Capitano, while last year’s submission, Vermiglio, made the shortlist but fell short of a nomination. Now, the question on everyone’s mind: Can Familia bring Italy back to Oscar glory? The U.S. Academy will reveal the first shortlist of 15 contenders on December 16, with final nominations announced on January 22. Mark your calendars for March 15, 2026, when the 98th Academy Awards will crown the winner in Los Angeles. But here’s the real question: Does Familia have what it takes to win, or will it spark debates about its portrayal of extremism and family violence? Let us know your thoughts in the comments—this is one conversation you won’t want to miss!
