‘The Square’ Becomes First Egyptian Documentary Nominated For Oscars

The Academy Awards has announced its final list of nominees for the 2014 Oscars, scheduled to air live on 2 March with Egyptian-American production The Square on its list for ‘Best Documentary Film’.

The Square marks Egypt’s first time onto the ‘Best Documentary’ list and in the Oscars as a whole, with the exception of Omar El-Sherif’s ‘Best Supporting Actor’ nomination in 1962 for his role in Hollywood production Lawrence of Arabia.

The film, directed by Jehane Noujaim, starring Khaled Abdalla, Magdy Ashour, Aida El-Kashef, Ramy Essam, Ahmed Hassan and Ragia Omran.

The Square is an immersive experience that transports viewers into the intense emotional dramas and personal stories behind the January 2011 uprising and its aftermath of military and short-lived Muslim Brotherhood rule.

The film won the People’s Choice Documentary Award at the Toronto International Film Festival in 2013, and the Audience Award at Sundance 2013.

Academy Awards for outstanding film achievements of 2013 will be presented on 2 March 2014 at the Dolby Theatre. The Oscar presentation also will be televised live in more than 225 countries and territories worldwide.

Source : Reuters