Italy's Oscar Bid: 'Familia' by Francesco Costabile
Rome, Italy – The film 'Familia,' directed by Francesco Costabile, has been officially selected as Italy's candidate for the Best International Feature Film category at the 98th Academy Awards. The announcement was made on September 23, 2025, by the ANICA (Associazione Nazionale Industrie Cinematografiche Audiovisive e Digitali) cinema association, following a rigorous selection process from a pool of 24 nominated films.
A Deep Dive into Complex Themes
'Familia' is described as a dark melodrama and biographical drama that intricately blends elements of psychological thriller and social commentary. The film is based on Luigi Celeste's memoir, 'Non sarà sempre così' (It Won't Always Be Like This), which chronicles his turbulent youth marked by far-right extremism and the profound impact of domestic violence within his family. The narrative follows the harrowing journey of Luigi (portrayed by Francesco Gheghi), a young man grappling with a toxic family legacy and his entanglement with extremist ideologies, as his criminal father, Franco (Francesco Di Leva), returns from prison. Barbara Ronchi stars as Licia, Luigi's mother, who strives to keep the family together amidst the turmoil.
Critical Acclaim and Festival Recognition
The film made its world premiere at the 81st Venice International Film Festival in 2024, where it was featured in the Orizzonti section. During its debut, lead actor Francesco Gheghi received the prestigious Orizzonti Award for Best Actor for his compelling portrayal of Luigi. 'Familia' also garnered significant attention at the David di Donatello Awards, receiving eight nominations, including nods for Best Actor (Gheghi) and Best Actress (Ronchi). Francesco Di Leva ultimately won the award for Best Supporting Actor for his performance.
The Road to the Oscars
The selection of 'Familia' by ANICA positions it as Italy's official entry into one of the most competitive categories at the Academy Awards. The next key dates for the 98th Academy Awards include the announcement of the 15-film shortlist on December 16, 2025, followed by the final five nominations on January 22, 2026. The awards ceremony is scheduled to take place on March 16, 2026. The film was produced by Tramp Limited, with co-producers Indigo Film and O'Groove, and in association with Medusa Film. International sales are handled by True Colours.
6 Comments
Raphael
It's great that Italy is sending a film with such profound social commentary. Still, I worry if the focus on extremism and domestic violence will be too niche for the Academy's taste.
Leonardo
A bold choice with strong artistic merit, showcasing Italian talent. But I can't help but wonder if a film with broader appeal might have had a better chance at securing a final nomination.
Muchacho
With its critical acclaim and strong performances, this is a real contender.
Habibi
Good acting doesn't mean it's Oscar-worthy. This topic is too niche.
Eugene Alta
A powerful story with incredible acting. Italy made an excellent choice!
BuggaBoom
Fantastic news! This film absolutely deserves all the recognition.