Spain Chooses J.A. Bayona’s ‘Society of the Snow’ for Oscar’s International Feature Category
In an announcement brimming with cinematic anticipation, Spain has officially submitted J.A. Bayona’s riveting real-life disaster thriller, “Society of the Snow,” as its entry for the prestigious Best International Feature category at the 2024 Oscars. The decision, made with profound enthusiasm, closely follows the Netflix film’s recent world premiere at the illustrious Venice Film Festival, where it had the honour of closing the event.
This marks a significant milestone for both J.A. Bayona and Netflix, as the acclaimed director returns to represent his homeland for the second time in the international feature award category. His previous representation dates back to 2007 with the spellbinding “The Orphanage,” which not only showcased his remarkable talent but also marked his last venture into Spanish cinema. Remarkably, “Society of the Snow” stands as the first Netflix production to be selected by Spain, solidifying the streaming giant’s burgeoning influence in the world of filmmaking.
Spain has a storied history in the Oscars’ international feature race, boasting four triumphant victories, the most recent being in 2004 for “The Sea Inside.” The nation has accumulated an impressive 20 nominations over the years, with its last appearance in the category occurring in 2019, when the venerable Pedro Almodóvar, a previous Oscar laureate for “All About My Mother” in 1999, received a well-deserved nomination for his work in “Pain and Glory.”
In an exclusive interview with The Bayona, the visionary director disclosed that his inspiration for “Society of the Snow” had germinated during the production of his 2012 blockbuster, “The Impossible.” Intriguingly, the very title of the latter film draws its essence from a passage found within Pablo Vierci’s eponymous book, which serves as the foundation for Bayona’s latest cinematic masterpiece.
“Society of the Snow” delves deep into the harrowing narrative of the Uruguayan 1972 Andes flight disaster, a haunting chapter in history where a plane carrying 45 predominantly youthful rugby players met a tragic end in the unforgiving Andes mountains. A mere 16 individuals emerged from the wreckage after an astonishing 72 days of survival in the treacherous snowy terrain. Their ordeal pushed them to the extreme limits of human endurance, compelling them to resort to the unimaginable act of cannibalism to stay alive.
While previous adaptations of this gripping story, most notably Frank Marshall’s 1993 film “Alive,” have explored facets of the disaster, Bayona’s magnum opus distinguishes itself by offering an all-encompassing portrayal of the entire “society” on board the ill-fated plane. Remarkably, the film not only chronicles the heart-wrenching journey of the survivors but also extends its narrative embrace to the grieving families of those who perished. In a gesture of unparalleled authenticity, the survivors and bereaved families lent their support by permitting the use of their real names, thus forging an indelible connection between the audience and the very people who lived through this nightmarish odyssey.
Spain’s selection of “Society of the Snow” for the 2024 Oscars is a testament to J.A. Bayona’s cinematic prowess and the captivating storytelling prowess of this Netflix gem. As this remarkable film weaves its narrative tapestry, it promises to leave an enduring imprint on the international cinematic landscape, showcasing the indomitable spirit of human survival against all odds.