The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has announced the shortlist for the 2021 Oscars® and French films or coproductions will be competing in 5 categories: International Feature Film, Animated Short Film, Live Action Short Film, Documentary Features, and Makeup and Hairstyling.
The final nominations will be released on March 15, 2021 and the Oscar 2021 ceremony will take place on April 25, 2021.
SHORTLIST FOR BEST INTERNATIONAL FEATURE FILM
France’s Official Oscar® Entry for Best International Feature Film:
Two of Us, by Filippo Meneghetti 
Nina and Madeleine, two retired women, have been secretly deeply in love for decades. They come and go between their two apartments, sharing the tender delights of everyday life together. Until the day their relationship is turned upside down by an unexpected event leading Madeleine’s daughter to slowly unveil the truth about them.
AND, four French coproductions:
Night of the Kings, by Philippe Lacôte - Ivory Coast
A young man is sent to "La Maca", a prison in the middle of the Ivorian forest ruled by its inmates. Learning what fate awaits him, he begins to narrate the mystical life of the legendary outlaw named "Zama King" and has no choice but to make his story last until dawn.
The man who sold his skin, by Kaouther Ben Hania - Tunisia
Sam Ali, a young sensitive and impulsive Syrian, left his country for Lebanon to escape the war. To be able to travel to Europe and live with the love of his life, he accepts to have his back tattooed by one of by the World's most sulfurous contemporary artist.
The Weeping Woman, by Jayro Bustamante - Guatemala
With the words "If you cry, I'll kill you" ringing in their ears, Alma and her sons are in Guatemala's armed conflict. Thirty years later, a criminal case is brought against Enrique, a retired general who oversaw the genocide. But he's acquitted through a mistrial and the spirit of La Llorona is unleashed to wander the world like a lost soul amongst the living.
Quo Vadis, Aida?, by Jasmila Zbanic - Bosnia and Herzegovina
Bosnia, July 11th 1995. Aida is a translator for the United Nations in the small town of Srebrenica. When the Serbian army takes over the town, her family is among the thousands of citizens looking for shelter in the UN camp.
SHORTLIST FOR BEST ANIMATED SHORT FILM
Genius Loci, by Adrien Mérigeau
One night Reine, a young and solitary person, sees in the urban chaos a lively and vibrant movement, a kind of guide.
Traces, by Hugo Frassetto and Sophie Tavert Macian
Thirty six thousand years ago, in the Ardèche river gorge, when an animal was painted, it was hunted. When it is again time to go hunting and painting, Gwel is appointed head of the group of hunters while Karou the painter and his apprentice Lani set off to paint the walls of the great cavern.
SHORTLIST FOR BEST LIVE ACTION SHORT FILM
The Van, by Erenik Beqiri
The van stops, the doors open, and the son comes out alive. Only a few more fights, then he'll be able to leave Albania. He still hopes his father will come with him.
OTHER NOMINATIONS:
Shortlist for Best Documentary Feature: Notturno, by Gianfranco Rosi
Shortlist for Best Makeup and Hairstyling: Pinocchio, by Matteo Garrone
