Israel faces off against Iran -- at the Oscars

With three days left until the Academy Awards, expectations are running high for Israel’s delegation to Los Angeles. Director Joseph Cedar’s “Footnote” has been nominated in the Best Foreign Film category, and is considered one of Israel’s best submissions to date.

On Tuesday Sony Pictures Studios hosted a special screening of “Footnote,” organized by the Israeli consulate in Los Angeles. Dozens of Israelis who live in Los Angeles attended, including actress Smadar Brenner (“The Troupe”), television producer Ron Cahlili and others.

The film’s director, Joseph Cedar, arrived at the screening accompanied by his agent Arik Kneller and two of the film’s producers, and they received a very warm welcome. On Thursday, Cedar was expected to attend another screening for students at UCLA.

But in an interview with Israel Hayom, Cedar played down expectations for a big win Sunday, recalling the failure of his acclaimed film “Beaufort” to win in 2007.

“The circumstances and the feeling are familiar, so this time I feel a lot less romance about the whole thing,” said Cedar.

Perhaps you have a better feeling this time and are more optimistic?

No. I don’t have a better feeling this time, and I still think another movie will win. I have seen all the other films nominated in the category, except for the Canadian film, and I imagine that one of them will win.

What did you think of the Iranian film “A Separation,” considered a favorite?

It is an excellent film that does honor to the category. The quality of other nominated films reflects on the entire competition and the nomination of the Iranian film definitely flatters the others.

Have you met the Iranian director?

I did have the opportunity to meet him and there has been no political tension between us, nor should there be as I don’t represent any official institution. I don’t think he will protest having to compete against an Israeli.

How have you spent the last few days?

I’ve been busy. Running from meetings to interviews with the media. After each film screening I speak to the audience. This is a very intense time and a lot of good things have been happening to me. I feel like I’m being exposed to things I’ve never been exposed to before.

Do you have a new tuxedo or will you use the same one you used five years ago?

I have a new tuxedo generously lent to me by designer Alber Elbaz.

Shlomo Bar Aba, the leading actor in your film is about to compete in Israel’s version of “Dancing with the Stars.” What do you think?

I have never watched the show, but I wish him the best.

טעינו? נתקן! אם מצאתם טעות בכתבה, נשמח שתשתפו אותנו