Oscars 2022 Best International Film: 'Drive My Car' Triumphs Amidst a Stellar Field

Oct 31, 2025 by miodeya.com 84 views

Oscars 2022 Best International Film: ‘Drive My Car’ Triumphs Amidst a Stellar Field

The 94th Academy Awards ceremony in 2022 presented a fiercely competitive and incredibly diverse lineup for the Best International Feature Film category. Among a field of cinematic masterpieces from across the globe, Ryusuke Hamaguchi’s poignant Japanese drama, Drive My Car, ultimately emerged victorious. This win not only solidified its status as one of the year’s most critically acclaimed films but also highlighted the ever-growing reach and influence of non-English language cinema on the world stage. The Oscars 2022 Best International Film race was a testament to the power of storytelling, showcasing narratives that transcended cultural barriers and resonated deeply with audiences and critics alike.

The journey to the Academy Awards is a rigorous one, beginning with submissions from nearly 100 countries. For a film to reach the final five nominees is an extraordinary achievement, signifying artistic excellence and universal appeal. The selected films for the Oscars 2022 Best International Film category—Drive My Car (Japan), Flee (Denmark), The Hand of God (Italy), Lunana: A Yak in the Classroom (Bhutan), and The Worst Person in the World (Norway)—represented a breathtaking array of genres, styles, and thematic concerns. Each offered a unique window into different cultures and human experiences, enriching the global cinematic landscape. This article delves into the remarkable qualities of these films, explores what made Drive My Car stand out, and discusses the broader significance of this crucial Oscar category.

The Journey to the 94th Academy Awards: A Global Celebration of Cinema

The Academy Awards, often viewed through the lens of Hollywood’s biggest productions, has increasingly recognized and celebrated the vibrant contributions of international cinema. The Best International Feature Film category, formerly known as Best Foreign Language Film, is a cornerstone of this recognition, bringing films from diverse cultural backgrounds into the global spotlight. For the Oscars 2022 Best International Film category, the path to nomination involved a multi-stage selection process where countries submitted their finest works, followed by a rigorous culling by Academy members. The final slate of five films was a carefully curated selection, reflecting both artistic merit and a certain universal resonance that appeals to a diverse voting body.

What makes the International Feature Film category so compelling is its ability to introduce audiences to perspectives and stories they might otherwise never encounter. It’s a powerful mechanism for cultural exchange, fostering empathy and understanding across borders. The films nominated for Oscars 2022 Best International Film exemplified this perfectly, offering tales that ranged from deeply personal memoirs to expansive social commentaries, from animated documentaries to intimate character studies. Each film, despite its specific national context, touched upon themes that are inherently human: love, loss, identity, freedom, and the search for meaning. This universality is precisely what makes the category so impactful and why its winners often leave a lasting impression on cinematic history.

The 94th Academy Awards ceremony itself was a platform for these international narratives to shine. While the spotlight often falls on the main categories like Best Picture or Best Director, the International Feature Film category frequently produces some of the most innovative and emotionally powerful works of the year. The lead-up to the 2022 Oscars saw considerable buzz around several of the eventual nominees, particularly Drive My Car, which had already garnered significant acclaim on the festival circuit, winning Best Screenplay at Cannes and numerous critics’ awards. This strong pre-Oscar performance often signals a frontrunner, building anticipation for the final announcement and drawing wider attention to the film’s merits. The intense competition underscored the exceptionally high quality of international filmmaking during this period, making the eventual win of Drive My Car both celebrated and hard-won against such formidable contenders.

A Deeper Look at the Nominees: Stories That Resonated Globally

Each film vying for the Oscars 2022 Best International Film award brought a unique voice and vision to the forefront, making the competition incredibly rich. These were not just films; they were cultural ambassadors, sharing narratives that captivated and challenged viewers worldwide. Understanding the nuances of each nominee helps to appreciate the depth of the category and the monumental achievement of the eventual winner.

Drive My Car (Japan): The Undeniable Victor

Ryusuke Hamaguchi’s Drive My Car was the undeniable victor in the Oscars 2022 Best International Film category, a triumph that felt both earned and inevitable given its extraordinary critical acclaim. Based on a short story by Haruki Murakami, the film is a masterclass in subtle storytelling, psychological depth, and emotional restraint. It follows Yusuke Kafuku, a theater director and actor grappling with the sudden death of his wife, Oto. Two years later, he accepts a residency in Hiroshima to direct a multi-lingual production of Chekhov’s Uncle Vanya, where he is assigned a quiet young woman, Misaki, as his chauffeur. Confined to his car, a beloved red Saab 900, Yusuke and Misaki slowly begin to unravel their own traumas and find unexpected solace in each other’s company.

The film’s brilliance lies in its unhurried pace, allowing complex emotions and unspoken histories to gradually surface. Hamaguchi explores themes of grief, communication, art, and the intricate ways human beings connect and disconnect. The long, contemplative scenes of Yusuke driving, often listening to recordings of his deceased wife reading lines from Uncle Vanya, are deeply moving. The play itself becomes a metatextual layer, mirroring and commenting on the characters’ lives. The performances, particularly Hidetoshi Nishijima as Yusuke and Tôko Miura as Misaki, are profoundly nuanced, conveying volumes with minimal dialogue. Drive My Car transcends its literary origins to become a unique cinematic experience, lauded for its exceptional screenplay, Hamaguchi’s meticulous direction, and its profound emotional intelligence. Its victory at the Oscars 2022 Best International Film was a recognition of its sophisticated narrative structure and its ability to delve into universal human pain and healing with grace and profundity, cementing its place as a contemporary masterpiece.

Flee (Denmark): A Triple Threat

Jonas Poher Rasmussen’s animated documentary Flee was an unprecedented phenomenon, achieving the rare feat of being nominated in three major Academy Award categories: Best International Feature Film, Best Documentary Feature, and Best Animated Feature. This extraordinary accomplishment underscored its innovative approach and universal resonance. Flee tells the harrowing true story of Amin Nawabi (a pseudonym), an Afghan refugee who recounts his journey from war-torn Kabul to Denmark for the first time, on the cusp of marrying his long-term boyfriend. The animation is not merely an aesthetic choice; it serves to protect Amin’s identity while also allowing for a more evocative and fluid depiction of his memories and trauma, particularly the parts that are too painful or difficult to express through traditional live-action footage.

The film masterfully blends archival footage with stunning animation, creating a unique visual language that amplifies the emotional impact of Amin’s story. It is a powerful exploration of identity, belonging, and the lasting scars of displacement. The narrative unfolds with suspense and deep empathy, detailing Amin’s perilous escape from Afghanistan as a child, his time in Russia, and his eventual arrival in Denmark. Beyond the refugee narrative, Flee is also a tender love story and a profound meditation on the secrets we keep and the courage it takes to confront them. Its triple nomination for the Oscars 2022 Best International Film, Documentary, and Animation categories was a testament to its groundbreaking storytelling, its urgent relevance, and its ability to push the boundaries of cinematic form. It stands as a powerful example of how creative filmmaking can illuminate complex global issues through personal narratives.

The Hand of God (Italy): Paolo Sorrentino’s Personal Epic

Paolo Sorrentino’s The Hand of God offered a deeply personal and richly evocative semi-autobiographical coming-of-age story set in 1980s Naples. Nominated for Oscars 2022 Best International Film, the film delves into the life of Fabietto Schisa, a shy and awkward teenager, whose world is suddenly upended by a series of unexpected events, both joyous and tragic. The title itself is a reference to Argentinian football legend Diego Maradona’s infamous goal against England, a moment that had a profound cultural impact on Naples and, in a strange twist of fate, saves Fabietto’s life in the film. Sorrentino, known for his visually opulent and often melancholic works like The Great Beauty (which won this category in 2014), takes a more intimate and vulnerable approach here, stripping away some of the previous grandiosity to focus on raw emotion and memory.

The film is a vibrant tapestry of family life, eccentric characters, and the intoxicating atmosphere of Naples. It captures the exuberance of youth, the complexities of family dynamics, and the sudden, brutal onset of tragedy that forces Fabietto to confront loss and discover his burgeoning passion for cinema. The Hand of God is a love letter to Naples, to family, and to the transformative power of art. While it didn’t win the Oscars 2022 Best International Film award, its nomination was a recognition of Sorrentino’s enduring talent, his ability to craft beautiful and emotionally resonant narratives, and the film’s unique blend of humor, sadness, and nostalgia. It’s a poignant exploration of how formative experiences, both good and bad, shape an individual’s path and artistic sensibility.

Lunana: A Yak in the Classroom (Bhutan): A Heartwarming Surprise

Pawo Choyning Dorji’s enchanting film Lunana: A Yak in the Classroom was perhaps the biggest surprise nominee for the Oscars 2022 Best International Film category, marking Bhutan’s first-ever nomination. This heartwarming and visually stunning drama tells the story of Ugyen, a young teacher in modern Bhutan who dreams of moving to Australia to become a singer. As punishment for his lack of commitment, he is sent to the remote, high-altitude village of Lunana, one of the most isolated settlements in the world, to teach in its barely functioning school. With no electricity, no phone reception, and a simple yak-herding community, Ugyen initially struggles to adapt.

However, as he spends time with the kind-hearted villagers and connects with his eager young students, particularly a bright-eyed girl named Pem Zam, Ugyen slowly begins to appreciate the profound beauty and simplicity of their lives. The film is a gentle yet powerful meditation on culture, tradition, education, and finding one’s purpose. Filmed on location in the stunning Himalayas, with many non-professional actors from the village itself, the film boasts breathtaking cinematography and an authentic sense of place. Its nomination for Oscars 2022 Best International Film was a testament to its universal themes of rediscovery and the impact of dedicated teaching, proving that a small, independent film from an unexpected corner of the world can deeply resonate with international audiences and critics alike. It’s a truly uplifting and memorable cinematic journey.

The Worst Person in the World (Norway): A Modern Rom-Com Masterpiece

Joachim Trier’s witty and melancholic romantic dramedy The Worst Person in the World earned two Oscar nominations, one for Best International Feature Film and another for Best Original Screenplay. This Norwegian film is a fresh and insightful take on modern relationships, identity, and the anxieties of early adulthood. It follows Julie, an intelligent but indecisive woman in her late twenties and early thirties, as she navigates her turbulent love life, her shifting career aspirations, and her ongoing search for meaning. Split into 12 chapters, a prologue, and an epilogue, the film is a vibrant character study, full of humor, heartbreak, and moments of magical realism.

Julie’s journey is relatable to anyone who has felt lost or unsure about their path in life. She drifts between different professions, from medical student to photographer to writer, and between relationships with two very different men: Aksel, an older, successful comic book artist, and Eivind, a sweet but less ambitious barista. The film critiques societal pressures on women to settle down and find a singular purpose, while celebrating the messy, unpredictable nature of existence. Renate Reinsve’s captivating performance as Julie, which won her Best Actress at Cannes, is the heart of the film. The Worst Person in the World was celebrated for its sharp screenplay, stylish direction, and its honest portrayal of contemporary ennui and self-discovery. Its nomination for the Oscars 2022 Best International Film category underscored its status as a sophisticated and profoundly engaging work that offered a unique perspective on universal themes of love, loss, and the eternal quest for self-fulfillment.

The Significance of the International Feature Film Category

The Best International Feature Film category at the Academy Awards holds immense significance beyond merely handing out a trophy. It serves as a vital bridge between different cinematic traditions and global audiences, fostering a richer, more diverse cultural landscape. For the Oscars 2022 Best International Film nominees, simply being recognized by the Academy translates into heightened visibility, increased distribution opportunities, and often, a surge in critical and commercial success. Films that might otherwise remain confined to their national markets suddenly gain international exposure, allowing their unique stories and artistic merits to reach a global viewership.

This increased exposure has several profound impacts. Firstly, it encourages cultural exchange and understanding. By showcasing narratives from Japan, Denmark, Italy, Bhutan, and Norway, the 2022 nominees offered viewers a chance to immerse themselves in different societal norms, historical contexts, and artistic sensibilities. Such exposure can challenge preconceptions, broaden perspectives, and build empathy across diverse cultures. Secondly, the category champions filmmaking talent from around the world. For directors like Ryusuke Hamaguchi or Jonas Poher Rasmussen, an Oscar nomination or win can open doors to new projects, collaborations, and a wider audience for their future work. It validates their artistic vision on the highest global platform.

Moreover, the category plays a crucial role in pushing the boundaries of cinematic storytelling. Often, international films are less constrained by commercial pressures prevalent in Hollywood, leading to more experimental narratives, unique visual styles, and challenging thematic content. The Oscars 2022 Best International Film lineup, with an animated documentary and a nuanced Japanese drama, perfectly exemplified this innovation. It reinforces the idea that compelling stories can emerge from any corner of the world, told in any language, and still resonate universally. The category ensures that the Academy Awards remain a truly global celebration of cinema, reflecting the diverse and vibrant tapestry of human creativity. It underscores the power of film to connect us, irrespective of our geographical or linguistic differences, and affirms that great art knows no borders.

Beyond the Winner: The Legacy of the 2022 Nominees

While Drive My Car ultimately took home the golden statuette for Oscars 2022 Best International Film, the legacy of all the nominated films extends far beyond the awards ceremony. Each of the five contenders made a significant impact on global cinema, leaving a lasting impression and continuing to influence filmmakers and audiences worldwide. Their success at the Oscars not only brought them immediate recognition but also ensured their place in cinematic discourse for years to come.

Drive My Car’s victory cemented Ryusuke Hamaguchi’s status as a major international auteur, prompting renewed interest in his previous works and eagerly anticipating his future projects. Its thoughtful exploration of grief, art, and human connection resonated deeply, proving that profound emotional impact can be achieved through subtlety and sophisticated narrative. The film’s critical acclaim, culminating in the Oscars 2022 Best International Film win, has opened doors for more Japanese independent cinema to gain global traction.

Flee, with its unprecedented triple nomination, redefined what an animated documentary could achieve, blending genres and challenging traditional filmmaking norms. Its powerful narrative about a refugee’s journey has sparked important conversations about displacement, identity, and the human cost of conflict, ensuring its story continues to educate and move audiences. The Hand of God showcased Paolo Sorrentino’s return to a more personal, poignant style, offering a beautiful, often melancholic, memoir that will endure as a testament to the formative power of youth and tragedy. It reminded viewers of the deep cultural richness of Italian cinema.

Lunana: A Yak in the Classroom, a truly heartwarming underdog story, put Bhutanese cinema on the global map for the first time. Its simple yet profound message about finding purpose and connecting with community in the most unexpected places resonated deeply, inspiring countless viewers and highlighting the power of authentic storytelling from emerging film industries. Lastly, The Worst Person in the World became a definitive film for a generation grappling with existential questions in their late twenties and early thirties. Its witty, honest, and often hilarious portrayal of modern relationships and self-discovery captured the zeitgeist, establishing Joachim Trier as a master of contemporary romantic dramedy and further boosting Norwegian cinema’s international profile. Together, these films represent a vibrant cross-section of global talent, demonstrating that the pursuit of artistic excellence and compelling storytelling thrives across every continent, enriching the collective human experience through the magic of cinema.

The Oscars 2022 Best International Film category truly represented a banner year for global cinema, showcasing an incredible array of talent, storytelling, and cultural perspectives. From the understated emotional power of Japan’s Drive My Car to the groundbreaking animated documentary Flee, the deeply personal Italian epic The Hand of God, the heartwarming Bhutanese debut Lunana: A Yak in the Classroom, and the acutely observed Norwegian dramedy The Worst Person in the World, each film brought something vital and unique to the 94th Academy Awards. While Drive My Car’s eventual victory was a deserved recognition of its profound artistic merit, the collective strength of these nominees underscored the vibrant health and boundless creativity of filmmaking beyond Hollywood.

This category continues to serve as a crucial window into the world, offering audiences invaluable opportunities to engage with different cultures, understand diverse human experiences, and witness the universal power of storytelling. The impact of these films extends far beyond the awards ceremony, influencing future filmmakers, sparking important conversations, and fostering a deeper appreciation for the global tapestry of cinema. The Oscars 2022 Best International Film selection reminded us that the most compelling and transformative narratives often come from unexpected places, delivered in voices that may not be our own, but speak directly to the shared human condition. It was a powerful testament to the enduring magic of film as a truly international language, capable of moving, challenging, and connecting us all.