As reported by Manorama Online, ‘2018’ is one of the 265 films from across the world to have been shortlisted for this category and other categories in the Oscars. This change took place after ‘2018’ was released in multiple theatres across the United States. With its US release, the film ticked off the sole criteria which was needed for its eligibility.

The final list of nominations for the Oscars will be unveiled on January 23. Only the top 10 films out of the nominated ones will be part of the final nominations.

Jude Anthany Joseph’s ‘2018’ revolves around the floods that claimed lives in Kerala in 2018. The film centres around people who have been brought together because of the calamity. It has an ensemble cast of Tovino Thomas, Kunchacko Boban, Asif Ali, Vineeth Sreenivasan, Narain, and Lal. The film was released in May 2023 and it fetched more than Rs 150 crores at the box office. The film was praised for its gripping storylines and the background score.

‘2018’ is not the first Malayalam film to be selected for the Oscars. Previously Mohanlal’s ‘Guru’, Salim Ahamed’s ‘Adaminte Makan Abu’, and Lijo Jose Pellissery’s ‘Jallikkattu’ were also selected as India’s official entry.