Sixty-nine countries have submitted films for consideration at the Academy Awards, including 10 from Latin America.
Several of the countries have strong entries this year that could easily get nominated. Chile is the most impressive candidate by far, though. The country was nominated last year with "No" directed by Pablo Larrain and again this year has "Gloria" as its entry. The movie first appeared in the international market when it was presented at the San Sebastian Film Festival as a film in progress. It made its official world premiere at Berlin where it won the Best Actress award. Later, it appeared at the Toronto Film Festival and it is currently in the New York Film Festival. The movie was also acquired by Roadside Attractions and will be released in the U.S. later this year.
Mexico also has a strong contender in "Heli." The country has been nominated eight times in the past, but has failed to win a single Oscar. "Heli" won the bid over "Instructions Not Included," which Mexican audiences hoped would be the selection. "Heli" won the Best Director award at the Cannes Film Festival making a strong case for the film. However, the movie has received lukewarm reception due to its subject matter, that alone can hurt its Oscar chances.
Argentina's selection "Wakolda" is also a strong selection. After receiving a promising reception at the San Sebastian and Cannes Film Festival, it also won the Audience Prize at St. Petersburg Festival. The country has not been nominated since 2011 and has won two Oscars. The film is in Spanish, German and Hebrew and it will be interesting to see how the Academy reacts.
Other strong contenders include Peru's "El Limipiador." The film has been featured in numerous festivals and praised with great reviews. Colombia's "Playa D.C.," which premiered at 2012's Cannes Festival, also has a good opportunity of getting the country's first nomination.
Films that will most likely struggle include Venezuela's "Breach in the Silence," Brazil's "Neighboring Sounds," Dominican Republic's "Who's the Boss," Ecuador's "Porcelain Horse" and Uruguay's "Anina." These films have had little international exposure and will likely have a hard time resonating with the Academy.
Ultimately, Chile and Argentina look to have the best chances of getting nominated in this year's race.