Japan’s film academy has officially selected “All of a Sudden,” the latest feature from acclaimed director Ryusuke Hamaguchi, as its candidate for Best International Feature at the upcoming Academy Awards. The announcement, made public earlier this week, positions the 196-minute drama as a major contender on the global awards circuit, carrying with it the weight of a country that has seen its filmmakers achieve significant recognition in recent years.

The film, which premiered in theaters on June 19, 2026, tells the story of Marie-Lou Fontaine, a determined nursing home director working in the Paris suburbs. Played by Belgian actress Virginie Efira, Fontaine chooses to implement the “Humanitude” method of care - a philosophy rooted in empathy and dignity - against the wishes of her resistant staff. Her world shifts when she meets Mari Morisaki, a terminally ill Japanese playwright portrayed by Tao Okamoto. The relationship that develops between the two women becomes the emotional core of the narrative, transforming both the facility and Fontaine’s own understanding of resilience.

Hamaguchi, who previously earned international acclaim for “Drive My Car,” appears to be venturing into new thematic territory with this production. While his earlier work often explored intimacy through dialogue and long takes, “All of a Sudden” reportedly channels those same sensibilities into an ensemble piece that examines institutional limits and personal rebellion. The director’s script, co-written for this project, places a Japanese protagonist at the heart of a French setting, creating a cross-cultural dynamic that feels both timely and deliberate.

Critical reception and early buzz

Since its release, the film has been met with strong reviews, holding an impressive TMDb rating of 8.341 out of 10. Critics have singled out the performances of both Efira and Okamoto, with particular praise for the chemistry they share on screen. The supporting cast adds considerable depth to the story, including Kyōzō Nagatsuka as Goro Kiyomiya, Kodai Kurosaki as Tomoki Kubodera, and a suite of French actors - Jean-Charles Clichet, Marie Bunel, Romain Cottard, and Marie Denarnaud - who round out the staff and residents of the nursing home.

The film’s length, at over three hours, may present a challenge for some viewers, but it also allows Hamaguchi the space to develop his characters with the patience that has become his signature. The decision to set the story in France, while having it represent Japan at the Oscars, underscores the increasingly international nature of contemporary cinema. Hamaguchi has long blurred national boundaries in his work, and this selection reinforces that tendency.

A competitive field ahead

Japan’s choice comes at a time when the Best International Feature category has grown more unpredictable. Previous winners and nominees have ranged from intimate character studies to sprawling historical epics, and “All of a Sudden” occupies a unique space between those poles. Its focus on end-of-life care, institutional reform, and the quiet power of human connection gives it a universal appeal that could resonate with Academy voters, even in a crowded year.

The film’s distributor has yet to announce an extensive awards campaign, but the selection alone is expected to generate renewed interest in theatrical markets outside Japan. Hamaguchi’s reputation, built on critically lauded titles like “Happy Hour” and “Asako I & II,” has already established him as a filmmaker of considerable substance. His previous Oscar participation came with “Drive My Car,” which ultimately took home the award in 2022, setting a high bar for his follow-up.

Casting and craft

Notably, “All of a Sudden” marks a return for Hamaguchi to working with a predominantly European cast, a departure from his usual Japanese-centric productions. Efira, who has become one of the most sought-after actresses in French-language cinema, brings a grounded intensity to the role of Fontaine. Okamoto, known for her work in both Japanese and international projects, delivers what early reviews describe as a quietly devastating performance as Morisaki.

The production’s technical elements have also drawn attention. The cinematography captures the gray, utilitarian spaces of the nursing home with a stark beauty, and the pacing allows moments of silence to speak as loudly as any dialogue. Hamaguchi’s direction, often compared to the observational styles of Éric Rohmer or John Cassavetes, finds new urgency here in the contrast between bureaucratic constraint and emotional vulnerability.

Looking toward the ceremony

As the awards season unfolds, “All of a Sudden” will face scrutiny from industry professionals and film enthusiasts alike. The Academy’s international committee will weigh entries from dozens of countries, and Japan’s submission will need to stand out not just for its artistry but for its resonance with broader themes of care, mortality, and defiance. Whether it follows “Drive My Car” to Oscar glory remains to be seen, but the film has already achieved a significant milestone simply by being chosen to represent one of the world’s most active and respected national cinemas.

For now, Hamaguchi’s latest stands as a testament to the power of quiet storytelling, and its journey to the Oscars will be watched closely by those who see cinema as a bridge between cultures. The nomination process will conclude with the announcement of finalists later this year, and the ceremony itself will take place in early 2027.

Source: Hollywood Reporter