Opinion: Germany's Oscar pick is good for its image
It's a big surprise that German Films, the country's advisory body for German films abroad, has submitted "Toni Erdmann" for an Oscar nomination. Many experts bet that yet another historical film would be named.
Why is that? Because those are the films that typically have the best chances at actually claiming an Oscar. In 2007, the Stasi drama "The Lives of Others" took home a statue. Two years later "The Baader Meinhof Complex," about the left-wing terror in the 1970s, was nominated, as was black-and-white pre-World War I drama "The White Ribbon" in 2010.
Another recent Oscar winner, Caroline Link's "Nowhere in Africa," is historical even if it's not set in Germany, but tells the story of a German-Jewish family that flees to Kenya to escape Nazi repression.
But perhaps the Oscars jury got to thinking. In 2014, they submitted "Two Lives," which deals with the fate of children born to German soldiers and Norwegian women, and last year the vote went to Nazi war crimes film "Labyrinth of Lies." Neither historical film received an official Oscar nomination.
Hollywood's consolation prize for world cinema
Thursday's decision is only the first step. Germany chooses one film to submit, but then the ball is in Hollywood's court. The Academy reviews submissions from many different countries and selects just five for an official nomination.
The Oscar in question is for the best foreign language film, which only plays a very subordinate role in the glamorous, hotly anticipated event in February. The accolade is Hollywood's consolation prize for world cinema.
German comedy works abroad
But back to "Toni Erdmann." Congratulations are in order for the jury. The film by director Maren Ade has already done a lot to improve German cinema's reputation abroad.
At its world premiere at the Cannes Film Festival in May, it enchanted the audience - particularly those from the US, the UK and France.
A German film that makes people laugh? German cinema that is funny without being cheesy? Yes, it exists! Maren Ade has probably done more for the Germans' image than many official cultural ambassadors have together.
"Toni Erdmann" is a very special film that is both profound and charming. The acting is exquisite and the topic couldn't be more current: It focuses on the globalized economy and its impact on humanity.
But Ade doesn't point a finger. Instead, her story is as funny as it is absurd.
Oscars instead of Golden Palm?
German cinema observers had predicted that "The Diary of Anne Frank" would make the cut this time. It's a candid look at the writings of the young Nazi victim from Amsterdam. "The People vs. Fritz Bauer," about a Nazi war crimes trial, was also considered a strong candidate.
But the jury decided differently - and that's a good thing. "Toni Erdmann" stands for a different kind of German cinema, one that is more unconventional, courageous and full of surprises. It shows an open, humorous Germany that is able to laugh at itself, which is why it was a favorite among the international audience in Cannes.
"Toni Erdmann" was not crowned with a Golden Palm in Cannes, but the Academy now has a chance to make up for that.