'Anatomy of a Fall' is the first non-English language film to win in this category since 'Parasite' in 2019.
Egyptian-French director and scriptwriter Arthur Harari and his creative partner Justine Triet won the Oscar for Best Original Screenplay for their work, Anatomy of a Fall, at the 96th Academy Awards.
The film was nominated for four other Oscars, including Best Motion Picture and Film Editing.
The courtroom drama was nominated along with The Holdovers, Maestro, May December and Past Lives.
Directed by Triet, the film features Sandra Huller in the lead role, portraying a writer embroiled in a quest to vindicate herself following her husband’s mysterious demise. Set against the backdrop of a secluded chalet, the narrative delves into the moral quandaries faced by Huller’s character’s young blind son, who becomes the sole witness to the events unfolding.
As the plot unfolds, viewers are drawn into a web of intrigue surrounding the circumstances of the husband’s death, with Swann Arlaud portraying Sandra’s steadfast defence lawyer Vincent and Antoine Reinartz depicting the antagonistic prosecutor.
Expressing gratitude to the Academy, Triet remarked that she hoped the accolade would help navigate her through her mid-life crisis. She juxtaposed the glitz and glamour of the Oscar night with the realities of crafting the film during the lockdown, juggling work with childcare responsibilities.
Harari underscored the importance of independence and freedom in the filmmaking process, acknowledging the pivotal contributions of producers Marie-Ange Luciani and David Thion.
Anatomy of a Fall marks a significant milestone as the first non-English language film to secure victory in the Best Original Screenplay category since Parasite in 2019.
This award adds to the film’s impressive awards season haul, following its Palme d’Or win at the Cannes Film Festival. The film has also garnered recognition at various European film awards, Césars, Golden Globes (including Best Screenplay), and a Bafta for Best Original Screenplay, cementing its status as a cinematic tour de force.
