Awards

UK Chooses 'Rehearsals for a Revolution' as Oscar Entry Amid Heavy Competition

By Isla Kerr, Awards EditorJanuary 16, 2024

Pegah Ahangarani’s documentary about Iran’s political upheaval and her exile has been selected as the UK’s submission for Best International Feature at the Oscars, positioning it for a possible dual nomination in both documentary and foreign-language categories.

Pegah Ahangarani’s acclaimed documentary 'Rehearsals for a Revolution' has been officially chosen as the United Kingdom’s entry for the Best International Feature Film category at the upcoming Oscars. The film, which explores Iran’s political landscape through Ahangarani’s personal history and archival footage, has garnered critical praise and is seen as a strong contender in both the international and documentary races. Its selection signals confidence from UK selectors, with Sony Pictures Classics advocating for its awards prospects.

The film retraces four decades of Iran’s tumult, blending home videos, street protests, newspapers, and recorded voices to tell a deeply personal yet politically charged story. Ahangarani, who lives in exile from Iran, uses her own experiences to frame a broader narrative about resistance and repression. Its UK release was in September, with upcoming qualifying runs in New York and Los Angeles scheduled for December, followed by exclusive theatrical runs in January at Landmark’s Nuart Theatre and New York’s Film Forum. More context: Awards.

'Rehearsals for a Revolution' faces stiff competition in the race for Best International Feature, especially since the Academy relaxed submission rules earlier this year, allowing films to be considered without a formal country submission if they win a qualifying festival award. This broadens the pool, making the category more competitive. Films like Denmark’s 'Flee,' which also earned a Best Animated Feature Oscar nomination, have demonstrated how a single film can cross categories and boost its awards chances.

The documentary’s Cannes breakout included winning the prestigious L’Œil d’or prize, further cementing its reputation on the festival circuit. Its prospects are bolstered by the fact that it’s a politically resonant work from a filmmaker with a compelling personal story, which aligns with the Academy’s recent emphasis on films with social relevance.

AwardsIndie film