Filmmaker Vivek Agnihotri has been questioned by host and DJ Nikhil Chinapa regarding the accuracy of the information he has provided about his movie “The Kashmir Files,” according to which it has been shortlisted for the upcoming Oscars.
“What is an official “contender?” he tweeted after sharing Vivek’s post that included a movie trailer with the 95th Academy Awards’ logo. Earlier the filmmaker had tweeted, “Thanks for your love, support and blessings. This is the year of Indian Cinema. #Oscars2023.” He shared the poster with the logo of the upcoming Oscars and it was also mentioned that the film is an “Official Contender from India.”
After his post, many responded asking him about the real status of the film and why he has made such a claim. One wrote, “Just hallucination by @vivekagnihotri…With this logic all 18 lakh students are official contender for medical seats.” Another said Congratulations, @vivekagnihotri.. Why should one wait for the Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences to declare the Winners!? When We can declare for ourselves (as Official Contenders)? Btw, what is “Official” about it?”
What is an official “contender”? https://t.co/ahEmrcfGX2
— Nikhil Chinapa (@nikhilchinapa) January 12, 2023
One commented on Nikhil’s tweet: “Same meaning as facts are not facts.” Another user mentioned, “Why have you put “contender” line in fine print, and Oscars in large? So that people don’t realise it didn’t make it to the shortlist.”
On its official website, the Oscars’ eligibility requirements are as follows: Feature films must debut in a commercial motion picture theatre between January 1, 2022, and December 31, 2022, in at least one of six US metropolitan areas: Los Angeles County, the City of New York, the Bay Area, Chicago, Illinois, Miami, Florida, and Atlanta, Georgia. They must also complete a minimum qualifying run of seven days in the same location. A feature film must be longer than 40 minutes in length.
‘The Kashmir Files’ has made it to the eligibility list of Oscars 2023 alongside films like ‘RRR’, ‘Gangubai Kathiawadi’, ‘Kantara’ and ‘Rocketry’ amongst others. However, merely featuring in the list does not mean that it is shortlisted or nominated.