The Pakistani Academy Selection Committee has selected “Zinda Bhaag” as the first Pakistani film in over fifty years to be submitted for Oscar consideration in the ‘Foreign Language Film Award’ category at the 86th Academy Awards. A total of four films were submitted to the committee for consideration including Chambeli, Josh and Lamha (Seedlings) in addition to Zinda Bhaag. The movie was selected by way of a secret ballot and was the overwhelming film of choice of the Committee members.
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences will choose the final nominees for all award categories including Best Foreign Language Film by 8th January 2014. The complete and final list of Oscar nominees will be announced on 16th January 2014 with the presentation show for the 86th Academy Awards scheduled to take place on 2nd March 2014. A record number of 71 films were submitted for Oscar consideration in the Best Foreign Language Film category at the 85th Academy Awards held in 2012. The number of internationally submitted films for this category is expected to be even greater this year.