The Global Story How the Oscars went international
Mar 13, 2026
Tom Brook, longtime BBC film reporter and critic, reflects on decades covering cinema and the Oscars. He discusses why the awards are embracing more international films. He talks about Hollywood’s industry troubles, Parasite’s impact, and whether American film dominance is changing.
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International Films Filling Hollywood's Adult Story Void
- International filmmakers see a gap where Hollywood no longer makes many adult, humanist films, so Europe and others are filling that void.
- Brook cites Joaquim Trier and Kleber Mendonça Filho praising international opportunity amid studios' retreat from grown-up drama.
How The Oscars Marginalized Foreign Films Then Evolved
- The Best Foreign Language category began in the 1950s as a marginal 'token' but the Academy has gradually broadened engagement with world cinema.
- Brook notes huge regions like Bollywood and African cinemas remain under-recognized despite the category's existence.
Parasite Changed Academy Voting Patterns
- Parasite's 2020 Best Picture win was pivotal, breaking subtitle stigma and accelerating the Academy's embrace of international films.
- Brook links that shift to the Academy's membership expansion and deliberate diversity recruitment.