The Best Foreign Film category at the Oscars is unique, controversial, and all on its own. It has a “special” nomination committee (Academy members can vote for nominees in all categories except Foreign Film - this one has it’s own committee led by producer and committee chairman Mark Johnson). Every entry is scrutinized to the bone, and nine films are shortlisted. Then a 20-member panel consisting of blue-ribbon Academy members will pick five nominees, and consequently a winner. Quite a process. Yet, they never get it right.

Last year they failed to shortlist the Cannes Palme d’Or winner 4 Months, 3 Weeks and 2 Days, which left many cinephiles disgusted. This year, Matteo Garrone’s Gomorra, winner of the Grand Prix at the Cannes and major awards at the European Film Awards, is missing from the Foreign Film shortlist that was announced today. Which brings us to our conclusion: too much politics in play at the Oscars.

The nine shortlisted film contending for nominations and a win under the Best Foreign Film category at the Oscars:

Revanche - Gotz Spielmann
Austria

The Necessities of Life - Benoit Pilon
Canada

The Class - Laurent Cantet
France

The Baader Meinhof Complex - Uli Edel
Germany

Waltz with Bashir - Ari Folman
Israel

Departures - Yojiro Takita
Japan

Tear This Heart Out - Roberto Sneider
Mexico

Everlasting Moments - Jan Troell
Sweden

3 Monkeys - Nuri Bilge Ceylan
Turkey

Along with other nominations, the five nominees for the Foreign Film category will be announced on January 22nd. The winner will be announced at the ceremony on February 22nd.