KARACHI: Pakistani film Joyland did not make the cut in the International Feature Film category for the 95th Academy Awards, after its executive producer and Oscar-winning actor Riz Ahmed announced nominations during a live broadcast on Tuesday with fellow artist Allison Williams.
Written and directed by Saim Sadiq, Joyland is the first Pakistani film to make it to Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences shortlist for the Oscars. Last month, it was included in the list of 15 movies that advanced to the nominations stage ahead of the award ceremony in March.
“Going global with this year’s nominees for International Feature Film,” The Academy announced in Twitter post while sharing a list of foreign films that did not mention the Pakistani production.
Joyland won the Cannes “Queer Palm” prize for best feminist-themed movie last year as well as the Jury Prize in the “Un Certain Regard” competition, a segment focusing on young, innovative cinema talent. It also made it to the ongoing Sundance Film Festival 2023 in the United States.
However, the film had a tough run in Pakistan, which banned its screening at movie theaters in November 2022, reversing a previous all-clear for release order. The film, which celebrates “transgender culture” in Pakistan, was later allowed to be released in some parts of the country, though it remains banned in Punjab, the most populous province.
Oscar-winning actor Riz Ahmed, who recently boarded Joyland as Executive Producer, along with fellow actor Allison Williams announced nominations during a live broadcast on Tuesday. Joyland was competing against “Argentina 1985,” “All Quiet on the Western Point,” “EO,” “The Quiet Girl,” and “Close” that made it to the final nominations.
Twitter users expressed disappointment and were “devastated” at Joyland missing the cut at the Oscars.
“Absolutely devastated that Joyland isn’t on this list,” said Rimmel Mohydin. “It is the most restrained storytelling, almost surgical in its precision with which it cuts through your already cold, dead heart.”
“Disappointed ‘Joyland’ wasn’t nominated for the Oscars but I still want to celebrate all of u & the movie & please hold your head up high you were shortlisted! & made us proud!” Frieha Altaf tweeted.