The Academy Award nominees were announced Tuesday. From now through the awards, I’ll be looking at nominees in some of the film categories. Today, it’s a look at the nominees for Best International Feature. Nominees appear in order of preference for me. The Academy Awards takes place on Sunday, March 10.

Zone of Interest
About: This film from Jonathan Glazer is also a Best Picture nominee and earned him a Best Director nomination. That’s usually a big sign for a film in this category, and in this case, it’s deserved and makes sense. This is a powerful film and a powerful idea. It’s a simple film but the setting and what’s happening in the larger world makes it deeply unsettling. This is a tough film to watch but also incredibly well made.

The Teachers’ Lounge
About: This is the official entry from Germany, a film about a teacher who gets caught up in a scandal when she uncovers a thief. It’s a simple premise and it starts out simple enough. But by the time the film hits its stride, the tension is palpable. I really enjoyed the performance from Leonie Benesch. This was a film that was a fun surprise when reviewing international entries.

Perfect Days
About: From Wim Wenders, this starts as a simple formula. It’s about a man in Japan (Koji Yakusho) who lives a quiet life with his music, his trees and his day job cleaning public restrooms. We sink into this daily routine and meet those who cross his path. It’s a beautiful film that has some surprising emotional depth. I really enjoyed the journey this film takes the audience on.

Society of the Snow
About: This official entry from Spain follows a Uruguayan Rugby Team in 1972 whose plane crashes in the Andes. Those that survive the crash must do some unspeakable things to survive the horror of their surroundings until they are rescued. The film is well crafted from director J.A. Bayona, who finds a new way to tell a story we’ve seen put to film before. This is another tough watch but a well-crafted story.

IO Capitano
About: This official entry from Italy follows two Senegalese teenagers who flee their home for Italy to escape poverty and find a better life. This one hasn’t gotten much of a release in the United States yet, but it’s possible this nomination will raise the profile and more will get to see it before the Academy Awards in March!

Matthew Fox is a graduate of the Radio, Television and Film program at Biola University, and a giant nerd. He spends his free time watching movies, TV, and obsessing about football. He is a member of the FSWA. You can find him @knighthawk7734 on Twitter and as co-host of the Fantasy Football Roundtable Podcast.