Croatia hopes for fourth Oscar tonight in Los Angeles
- by croatiaweek
- in Entertainment
Croatia is on the verge of making history at the 96th Academy Awards as it hopes to secure its fourth Oscar tonight at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles.
This year, the country’s contender is “The Man Who Could Not Remain Silent”, directed by Nebojša Slijepčević and produced by Katarina Prpić and Danijel Pek (Antitalent).
The film is competing in the Best Live Action Short Film category, marking the first time a Croatian film has been nominated for an Oscar since the country gained independence.
Set during the 1993 Štrpci massacre, it follows Tomo Buzov, a retired Croatian officer who risks everything to protest as Serbian paramilitaries abduct passengers from a train, spotlighting courage amid silence.
The Man Who Could Not Remain Silent (Photo: Antitalent)
The film has already won the Short Film Palme d’Or at Cannes, the European Short Film award, and a number of other awards.
Croatia’s Oscar Legacy
Croatia already boasts three Oscar wins, with the first dating back to 1962 when Dušan Vukotić won the Best Animated Short Film category for his film “Surogat”.
This victory made him the first non-American to win in this category.
The country’s next two Oscars came thanks to Croatian producer Branko Lustig. His first Academy Award came in 1994 for co-producing “Schindler’s List” alongside Steven Spielberg.
Seven years later, in 2001, he claimed his second Oscar for producing “Gladiator”, Ridley Scott’s historical epic starring Russell Crowe.
Branko Lustig (Photo: Jörg Reitmaier/Public domain)
With “The Man Who Could Not Remain Silent” making waves in Hollywood, Croatia is hoping to add another golden statue to its collection. Film enthusiasts across the country will be eagerly watching as the winners are announced tonight.
