We host a lively debate over the convoluted way the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences (AMPAS) selects its nominees for Best Foreign Language Film. Stephen Galloway, Executive Editor for features at the Hollywood Reporter recently wrote an analysis on how that process excludes many worthy contenders. He debates his points with Mark Johnson, Chair of the AMPAS Selection Committee for that category. Plus, YouTube launches Your Film Festival -- an online festival of shorts open to the world and produced by YouTube and Scott Free -- the production company of filmmakers Ridley and Tony Scott. We discuss the criteria for eligibility and the process by which Scott Free and then the public will winnow down the finalists.
List of this year's nominees for Best Foreign Language Film:
Bullhead (Belgium)
Footnote (Israel)
In Darkness (Poland)
Monsieur Lazhar (Canada)
A Separation (Iran)
Today's Banter Topics:
- Simon Cowell fires many off of The X-Factor
- Pilot season: Update on what broadcast networks are buying
- Tracking the awards race: The Artist v. The Descendents v. The Help