Set in 1949, “Fatherland” explores the relationship between German writer and Nobel laureate Thomas Mann and his daughter. Paweł Pawlikowski’s Cannes-winning “Fatherland” has been selected as Poland’s candidate for best international feature film at next year’s Academy Awards, giving the Oscar-winning director another shot at the prize. The decision was made on Friday by a nine-member selection committee chaired by producer Jan Naszewski. Set in 1949, “Fatherland” explores the relationship between German writer and Nobel laureate Thomas Mann and his daughter Erika as they travel through postwar Germany following years of exile in the United States. The film stars Hanns Zischler, known for films including “Europa Europa” and “Kings of the Road,” as Mann, and Sandra Hüller, known for “Anatomy of a Fall” and “The Zone of Interest,” as Erika. August Diehl, known for Quentin Tarantino’s 2009 film “Inglourious Basterds,” plays Mann’s son Klaus. The 82-minute film is a Polish, German, Italian and French co-production. Cannes success The Oscar selection comes after Pawlikowski won the Best Director award at the Cannes Film Festival earlier this year for “Fatherland,” sharing the prize with Spanish filmmakers Javier Calvo and Javier Ambrossi, directors of “La bola negra.” “Fatherland” is Pawlikowski’s first feature film since “Cold War,” which also earned him the Best Director award at Cannes in 2018. Another shot at Oscar glory “Fatherland” is the third Pawlikowski feature to enter the Oscar race as Poland’s candidate. Pawlikowski previously won the Academy Award for best foreign-language film in 2015 for his black-and-white drama “Ida,” which became the first Polish film to win the prize. His 2018 drama “Cold War” later earned three Oscar nominations, including best foreign-language film and best director for Pawlikowski. The 99th Academy Awards are scheduled to take place in Los Angeles on March 14, 2027.
