Here’s the list of Oscar winners for Best Foreign Film (until 2019) and Best International Feature Film (since 2020), along with their directors, submitting countries, and a short plot summary:
1947: Shoeshine (Italy) by Vittorio De Sica
Two young boys in post-war Rome, Italy, work as shoeshiners to earn a living. Their dreams of owning a horse are shattered when they get involved in a petty crime, leading to tragic consequences.
1948: Monsieur Vincent (France) by Maurice Cloche
This biographical film portrays the life of St. Vincent de Paul, a 17th-century priest who dedicated himself to serving the poor and changing the face of charity.
1949: The Bicycle Thief (Italy) by Vittorio De Sica
In post-World War II Italy, a man and his son search Rome for the stolen bicycle he needs to keep his job, highlighting the desperation and moral dilemma of the poor.
1950: The Walls of Malapaga (France/Italy) by René Clément
A fugitive finds love and a sense of belonging in an Italian village, but his past catches up with him, leading to a poignant end.
1951: Rashomon (Japan) by Akira Kurosawa
Through multiple perspectives, this film recounts the story of a samurai’s murder and his wife’s rape, exploring the nature of truth and human deceit.
1952: Forbidden Games (France) by René Clément
An orphaned girl and a peasant boy create a cemetery for animals killed in World War II, forming a bond over the shared experience of loss and innocence.
1954: Gate of Hell (Japan) by Teinosuke Kinugasa
In medieval Japan, a samurai falls obsessively in love with a woman and goes to extreme lengths to win her over, with tragic results.
1955: Samurai, The Legend of Musashi (Japan) by Hiroshi Inagaki
This epic follows the journey of a brash young man who transforms into a respected samurai and national hero, Musashi Miyamoto.
1956: La strada (Italy) by Federico Fellini
A simple-minded girl is sold to a brutal strongman in a traveling circus, where she experiences both companionship and isolation.
1957: Nights of Cabiria (Italy) by Federico Fellini
A hopeful and naïve prostitute dreams of a better life but is repeatedly betrayed, yet she never loses her spirit.
1958: Mon Oncle (France) by Jacques Tati
Mr. Hulot navigates the comically mechanized world of his sister’s family and the old-fashioned streets of his neighborhood, highlighting the clash between tradition and modernity.
1959: Black Orpheus (France) by Marcel Camus
Set in Rio de Janeiro during the Carnival, this film reimagines the Greek tale of Orpheus and Eurydice in the vibrant world of samba.
1960: The Virgin Spring (Sweden) by Ingmar Bergman
In medieval Sweden, the rape and murder of a girl lead her devout Christian father to take brutal revenge.
1961: Through a Glass Darkly (Sweden) by Ingmar Bergman
During a family vacation on a remote island, a young woman’s mental illness worsens as her relationships with her father, husband, and brother are explored.
1962: Sundays and Cybèle (France) by Serge Bourguignon
A traumatized war veteran forms a complex and controversial bond with a young girl, leading to a poignant conclusion.
1963: 8½ (Italy) by Federico Fellini
A film director struggles with his creative block and personal relationships, blurring the lines between reality, fantasy, and memory.
1964: Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow (Italy) by Vittorio De Sica
This anthology film tells three stories across different parts of Italy, exploring themes of love and morality.
1964: Zorba the Greek (Greece) by Michael Cacoyannis
An uptight British writer encounters a boisterous Greek peasant named Zorba, who teaches him about life’s pleasures and sorrows.
1965: The Shop on Main Street (Czechoslovakia) by Ján Kadár, Elmar Klos
In a Slovak town during WWII, a carpenter is appointed “Aryan controller” of a Jewish widow’s button shop, leading to moral conflict and tragedy.
1966: A Man and a Woman (France) by Claude Lelouch
Two widowed parents, a scriptwriter and a script girl, share a tender, bittersweet romance filled with memory and desire.
1967: Closely Observed Trains (Czechoslovakia) by Jiří Menzel
A young railway apprentice becomes involved in a plot against occupying German forces during World War II, discovering love and courage.
1968: War and Peace (Soviet Union) by Sergei Bondarchuk
This epic adaptation of Tolstoy’s novel follows the fates of aristocratic families against the backdrop of Napoleon’s invasion of Russia.
1969: Z (Algeria) by Costa-Gavras
A political thriller based on the assassination of a democratic Greek politician and the subsequent cover-up, reflecting on corruption and abuse of power.
1970: Investigation of a Citizen Above Suspicion (Italy) by Elio Petri
A high-ranking police officer murders his mistress and then leads the investigation, testing how far he can push the boundaries of his power.
1971: The Garden of the Finzi Continis (Italy) by Vittorio De Sica
An Italian Jewish family’s sheltered life is threatened by the looming presence of World War II, reflecting on loss and the fragility of the aristocracy.
1972: The Discreet Charm of the Bourgeoisie (France) by Luis Buñuel
A surrealist film in which a group of upper-class people attempt to dine together but are repeatedly interrupted by increasingly bizarre events.
1973: Day for Night (France) by François Truffaut
A film about the making of a film, exploring the drama, comedy, and chaos that occur behind the scenes.
1974: Amarcord (Italy) by Federico Fellini
A series of comedic and nostalgic vignettes set in a 1930s Italian coastal town, reflecting Fellini’s own childhood memories.
1975: Dersu Uzala (Soviet Union) by Akira Kurosawa
The story of a Russian explorer and a wise Goldi hunter in the Siberian wilderness, exploring their growing friendship and the impact of civilization on the natural world.
1976: Black and White in Color (Ivory Coast) by Jean-Jacques Annaud
Set during World War I, French colonists in Africa absurdly engage in battle with their German neighbors, critiquing colonialism and the absurdity of war.
1977: Madame Rosa (France) by Moshé Mizrahi
An aging Jewish woman, a former prostitute and Holocaust survivor, takes care of the children of other prostitutes in Paris, forming a bond with a Muslim boy.
1978: Get Out Your Handkerchiefs (France) by Bertrand Blier
A man tries to solve his wife’s depression by involving another man, leading to unconventional and comedic relationships.
1979: The Tin Drum (West Germany) by Volker Schlöndorff
In protest against the adult world, a young boy in Nazi Germany decides to stop growing and communicates by banging on his tin drum, witnessing the horrors and absurdities of his time.
1980: Moscow Does Not Believe in Tears (Soviet Union) by Vladimir Menshov
The lives, loves, and hardships of three women from different backgrounds in Moscow over several decades, reflecting the changing Soviet society.
1981: Mephisto (Hungary) by István Szabó
A German stage actor finds unexpected success and moral compromise in Nazi Germany, struggling with his ambition and conscience.
1982: To Begin Again (Spain) by José Luis Garci
An aging Nobel laureate returns to his native Spain after the Franco regime, reconnecting with his son and reflecting on his life.
1983: Fanny and Alexander (Sweden) by Ingmar Bergman
Two siblings from a theatrical family navigate a tumultuous life, dealing with death, a strict stepfather, and the loss of innocence.
1984: Dangerous Moves (Switzerland) by Richard Dembo
During the Cold War, a tense chess match between a Soviet champion and his former student unfolds, mirroring political and personal conflict.
1985: The Official Story (Argentina) by Luis Puenzo
In the aftermath of Argentina’s Dirty War, a woman discovers that her adopted daughter may be a child of the disappeared, leading to a painful quest for truth.
1986: The Assault (Netherlands) by Fons Rademakers
A Dutch man looks back at the Nazi occupation and a tragic event that altered his life, exploring the complex nature of war and memory.
1987: Babette’s Feast (Denmark) by Gabriel Axel
Two sisters in a remote Danish village take in a French refugee who eventually prepares a lavish feast that transforms the community.
1988: Pelle the Conqueror (Denmark) by Bille August
A Swedish boy and his father immigrate to Denmark in the late 19th century, facing hardship and discrimination as they strive for a better life.
1989: Cinema Paradiso (Italy) by Giuseppe Tornatore
A filmmaker recalls his childhood, when he fell in love with the movies at his village’s theater and formed a deep friendship with the cinema’s projectionist.
1990: Journey of Hope (Switzerland) by Xavier Koller
A Turkish family endures hardships and dangers in their quest for a better life in Switzerland, reflecting on the immigrant experience.
1991: Mediterraneo (Italy) by Gabriele Salvatores
During World War II, Italian soldiers on a Greek island are cut off from the war and integrate into the local community, discovering the absurdity of conflict and the joy of life.
1992: Indochine (France) by Régis Wargnier
In colonial Vietnam, a French plantation owner and her adopted Vietnamese daughter become entangled in the growing independence movement and a love triangle.
1993: Belle Époque (Spain) by Fernando Trueba
In 1931 Spain, a young man becomes involved with four beautiful sisters, each representing different facets of love and life during a tumultuous period.
1994: Burnt by Sun (Russia) by Nikita Mikhalkov
During Stalin’s Great Purge, a Soviet officer and his family’s idyllic summer is disrupted by the arrival of a mysterious figure from the past.
1995: Antonia’s Line (Netherlands) by Marleen Gorris
A strong-willed woman returns to her village after World War II and establishes a matriarchal community, touching on themes of feminism and freedom.
1996: Kolya (Czech Republic) by Jan Svěrák
A confirmed bachelor and a renowned musician in Czechoslovakia forms an unexpected bond with a 5-year-old Russian boy, leading to profound changes in his life.
1997: Character (Netherlands) by Mike van Diem
In 1920s Netherlands, a young lawyer recounts his difficult relationship with his tyrannical father, revealing a complex web of ambition and resentment.
1998: Life Is Beautiful (Italy) by Roberto Benigni
In a concentration camp, a Jewish father uses his imagination and humor to shield his son from the horrors of the Holocaust, teaching him about hope and resilience.
1999: All About My Mother (Spain) by Pedro Almodóvar
Following her son’s tragic death, a woman travels to Barcelona to find his father, a transgender woman, encountering other complex women and personal revelations.
2000: Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon (Taiwan/China) by Ang Lee
A martial arts epic set in ancient China, where a stolen sword and a mysterious warrior lead to adventure, romance, and stunning fight sequences.
2001: No Man’s Land (Bosnia and Herzegovina) by Danis Tanović
During the Bosnian War, Bosnian and Serbian soldiers are trapped in a trench between enemy lines, facing a dire situation with darkly comic elements.
2002: Nowhere in Africa (Germany) by Caroline Link
A Jewish family flees the Nazis to a farm in Kenya, where they struggle to adapt to a new life and the impending war’s effects.
2003: The Barbarian Invasions (Canada) by Denys Arcand
A dying man and his estranged son reconcile among friends and family, discussing life, love, and the changing world.
2004: The Sea Inside (Spain) by Alejandro Amenábar
Based on a true story, a quadriplegic man fights for the right to end his life with dignity, exploring themes of love, dignity, and the human condition.
2005: Tsotsi (South Africa) by Gavin Hood
In Johannesburg, a young gang leader’s life changes when he cares for a baby he finds in a car he’s stolen, leading him on a path to redemption.
2006: The Lives of Others (Germany) by Florian Henckel von Donnersmarck
In East Berlin, a Stasi officer becomes increasingly absorbed in the lives of a playwright and his actress girlfriend, challenging his beliefs and loyalty.
2007: The Counterfeiters (Austria) by Stefan Ruzowitzky
During WWII, a group of Jewish prisoners is forced to help the Nazis in the largest counterfeiting operation in history, facing moral dilemmas.
2008: Departures (Japan) by Yojiro Takita
A cellist returns to his hometown and unexpectedly takes up work as a “Nokanshi,” preparing the deceased for funerals, exploring life, death, and reconciliation.
2009: The Secret in Their Eyes (Argentina) by Juan José Campanella
A retired legal counselor writes a novel hoping to find closure for one of his past unresolved homicide cases and for his unreciprocated love with his superior.
2010: In a Better World (Denmark) by Susanne Bier
This Danish drama explores the intertwining lives of two families dealing with the complexities of revenge and forgiveness. The story follows Christian, a boy dealing with his mother’s death, who forms a bond with Elias, a victim of bullying. As they confront their own personal tragedies, their quest for justice leads to moral dilemmas and a need for redemption.
2011: A Separation (Iran) by Asghar Farhadi
In this gripping Iranian drama, a married couple faces a tough decision: to leave the country for a better life or stay to care for a parent with Alzheimer’s. Their eventual separation leads to a series of escalating conflicts involving a caregiver, legal disputes, and moral quandaries, highlighting the complexities of truth and justice.
2012: Amour (France) by Michael Haneke
This poignant film delves into the lives of an elderly couple, Georges and Anne, who are retired music teachers. When Anne suffers a stroke and becomes paralyzed, Georges is faced with the heart-wrenching decline of his beloved wife. ‘Amour’ is a raw examination of love, aging, and the challenges of facing mortality.
2013: The Great Beauty (Italy) by Paolo Sorrentino
Jep Gambardella, a once-promising novelist turned jaded journalist, drifts through a lavish landscape of Rome’s elite social scene. On his 65th birthday, he begins a journey of self-discovery, exploring the beautiful, absurd, and melancholic avenues of life, searching for the great beauty that has seemingly eluded him.
2014: Ida (Poland) by Paweł Pawlikowski
Set in 1960s Poland, this film follows Anna, a young orphan raised in a convent, who before taking her vows discovers a dark family secret from the Nazi occupation. She embarks on a journey with her only surviving relative, her aunt Wanda, to uncover her heritage and confront the haunting reality of her past.
2015: Son of Saul (Hungary) by László Nemes
In the horror of 1944 Auschwitz, Saul, a Hungarian-Jewish prisoner forced to assist the Nazis, finds the body of a boy he takes for his son. Driven by the need for proper burial and respect, Saul embarks on an impossible task amidst the brutality, seeking redemption in a place devoid of humanity.
2016: The Salesman (Iran) by Asghar Farhadi
After their apartment becomes damaged, Emad and Rana, a married couple performing in “Death of a Salesman,” are forced to move into a new flat. An incident linked to the previous tenant dramatically changes their lives, leading to tension and a quest for truth and retribution.
2017: A Fantastic Woman (Chile) by Sebastián Lelio
Marina, a transgender woman working as a waitress and aspiring singer, faces scorn and discrimination after the sudden death of her older boyfriend. As she grieves, she battles his family and society to show them she is strong, complex, and, most importantly, a fantastic woman.
2018: Roma (Mexico) by Alfonso Cuarón
Set in the early 1970s in Mexico City’s Colonia Roma neighborhood, this film follows Cleo, a domestic worker for a middle-class family. In a time of personal and political turmoil, Cleo and the family navigate the intricacies of love, class, race, and societal change.
2019: Parasite (South Korea) by Bong Joon-ho
This darkly comedic and tragic film highlights the stark disparities between the wealthy Park family and the destitute Kim clan. As the Kims cunningly infiltrate the lives of the Parks, a series of unpredictable events unravels, leading to a violent and shocking climax that questions the essence of coexistence and parasitic survival.
2020: Another Round (Denmark) by Thomas Vinterberg
Four weary high school teachers test a theory that they will improve their lives by maintaining a constant level of alcohol in their blood. Their initial success leads to a series of both comical and tragic consequences as they navigate friendship, freedom, and the boundaries of social acceptability.
2021: Drive My Car (Japan) by Ryûsuke Hamaguchi
Based on a short story by Haruki Murakami, this film follows Yusuke Kafuku, a stage actor and director, who, two years after his wife’s unexpected death, is still grappling with grief and unresolved questions. As he directs a production of Chekhov’s “Uncle Vanya,” he forms a quiet connection with his chauffeur, leading to a journey of emotional and artistic introspection.
2022: All Quiet on the Western Front (Germany) by Edward Berger
A grim and realistic adaptation of Erich Maria Remarque’s novel, this film follows a young German soldier’s terrifying experience and profound disillusionment in the trench warfare of World War I. It’s a visceral exploration of the physical and mental toll of war on a generation of men.
