Croatia’s Historic Oscar Nomination: "The Man Who Could Not Remain Silent" makes history

The 2025 Academy Awards have ushered in a historic moment for Croatian cinema, as "The Man Who Could Not Remain Silent" becomes the nation's first film to receive an Oscar nomination. Directed by Nebojša Slijepčević and produced by Katarina Prpić and Danijel Pek of Antitalent, this short film is nominated in the Best Live Action Short Film category. 

This nomination is particularly significant considering Croatia's previous submissions to the Academy Awards. Since gaining independence, the country has submitted 34 films for consideration in the Best International Feature Film category but had not secured a nomination until now. 

"The Man Who Could Not Remain Silent" tells a compelling story: "In the middle of winter, a passenger train is stopped by paramilitary forces. As they arrest innocent civilians, only one man out of 500 dares to stand up to them. This is the true story of a man who could not remain silent". It has resonated with audiences and critics worldwide. The film qualified for Oscar consideration after winning the Palme d’Or at Cannes and the Grand Prix at the Melbourne International Film Festival and the European Film Award for the Best European short film. It has been showcased at over 80 festivals worldwide, including the Toronto International Film Festival and the Stockholm International Film Festival, garnering numerous accolades along the way. Latest news is the nomination for the Cesar Award, or "French Oscar".

In the broader regional context, neighboring countries have also made their mark in this year's nominations. Bosnia and Herzegovina selected Danis Tanović's "My Late Summer" as their contender for Best International Feature Film. While it did not secure a nomination, the selection underscores the region's growing cinematic contributions.

As the anticipation builds for the Oscars ceremony on March 2, the question on everyone's mind is: Will Croatia clinch its first Oscar win? The competition is undoubtedly fierce, but the film's journey so far has been nothing short of remarkable. The global recognition of "The Man Who Could Not Remain Silent" not only highlights the talent within Croatia but also shines a spotlight on the vibrant film industry of the entire region.

Regardless of the outcome, this nomination marks a significant milestone for Croatian cinema and paves the way for future storytellers from the region to share their narratives on the world stage. 

See here the full Oscar Nominations.