Argentina Selects Dolores Fonzi’s ‘Belén’ to Vie for the International Feature Oscar

In a significant move for Argentine cinema, the Academy of Cinematographic Arts & Sciences has chosen Dolores Fonzi‘s poignant drama “Belén” to represent Argentina at the prestigious Oscars and the Goya Awards in Spain.

Currently in contention for the Golden Shell at the San Sebastián Film Festival, “Belén” has already captured attention, receiving a powerful seven-minute standing ovation during its world premiere on September 23.

This film marks Fonzi’s sophomore directorial effort, delving into the compelling narrative of Julieta, a young woman who finds herself imprisoned after a miscarriage. At the heart of the story is Soledad Deza (played by Fonzi), a fearless lawyer who champions Julieta’s fight for justice in a case laden with controversy and stakes.

The real-life Soledad Deza attended the world premiere, adding a layer of authenticity and resonance to the film’s impact.

Produced by Amazon MGM Studios and K&S Films—the studio behind acclaimed works like “Wild Tales” and the global Netflix hit “The Eternaut”—“Belén” is set against the backdrop of Tucumán, a province known for its conservative stance. Julieta’s trial signifies a major turning point in the wider fight for women’s rights in Argentina. Throughout history, cases like Julieta’s have been pivotal in influencing laws surrounding reproductive rights; referring to Julieta as Belén served to protect her identity.

“These nominations aren’t merely a recognition of our film; they celebrate the voices we chose to elevate. We aimed to tell a narrative that was sincere, unfiltered, and intensely personal. The wide resonance of our story underscores the vital importance of prioritizing audiences and honoring local narratives,” said Javiera Balmaceda, Head of Internacional Originals at Amazon MGM Studios for Latin America, Canada, and Australia.

In the competition for the Oscars, “Belén” stands alongside other notable films, including Hernán Rosselli’s family drama “Algo viejo, algo nuevo, algo prestado,” Benjamín Ávila’s thriller “The Woman in the Line” (“La Mujer de la fila”), and the comedy “Homo Argentum” by Mariano Cohn and Gastón Duprat.

For the Goya Awards, Cristian Tapia Marchiori’s suspense thriller “Gatillero” along with “The Woman in the Line” and “Homo Argentum” also vied for the opportunity to represent Argentina.

This represents Fonzi’s second appearance at the San Sebastián Film Festival as a director. Her directorial debut, “Blondi,” produced by Santiago Mitre and Agustina Llambi Campbell’s La Unión de los Rios, also premiered at the festival, which coincidentally launched this year’s edition with another La Unión project, Daniel Hendler’s “27 Nights.”

The shortlist for the Oscar’s international feature category will be revealed on December 16, with the final five nominees set to be announced on January 22.

The 98^th Academy Awards are scheduled for March 15, 2026, while Spain’s Goya Awards will take place on February 28, 2024.