The Motion Picture Producers Association of Japan has selected Ryusuke Hamaguchi's film "All of a Sudden" as the country's official submission for the international feature film category at the 99th Academy Awards, set for March 14, 2027.
Production and Cast Details
The film is a France-Japan co-production that also received financial backing from Germany and Belgium. It is loosely adapted from the book written by Miyano Makiko and Isono Maho. The cast features Virginie Efira and Tao Okamoto. Both actresses shared the best actress prize at the Cannes Film Festival for their performances in the movie.
North American Release
Distributor Neon has scheduled a North American theatrical release for November 25.
With this selection, the film officially enters the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences consideration process. The submission must pass through subsequent voting rounds, which narrow the entries down to a shortlist of 15 films before determining the final five nominees for the category.
Hamaguchi’s latest directorial effort arrives with high expectations following his previous international triumphs, placing the project under intense scrutiny from critics and industry analysts alike as the awards season landscape begins to take shape. The multi-nation collaborative framework behind the production reflects a growing trend in global cinema, where blending European and Asian artistic sensibilities creates universally resonant storytelling that often appeals directly to voting blocks within the Academy.
As the November theatrical rollout approaches, distributor Neon is expected to mount a robust promotional campaign aimed at maximizing visibility across major cultural markets in the United States and Canada. This strategic positioning is crucial for generating grassroots momentum and critical acclaim prior to the formal voting windows. Industry observers will be watching closely to see how the picture resonates with Western viewers, particularly given its philosophical and cultural roots derived from the original literary source material by Makiko and Maho.
The upcoming months will test whether the film can successfully navigate the crowded international feature race, where competition from established European auteurs and emerging global voices remains fierce. Securing a spot on the coveted December shortlist of fifteen titles will serve as the primary hurdle for the production team, paving the way for a potential final nomination when the Academy announces its official slate ahead of the March ceremony.
