Oscars 2025: Mexico Picks Sundance Winner ‘Sujo’ for International Feature Race

Mexico has officially selected Sujo, the acclaimed winner at the Sundance Film Festival, as its contender for the Best International Feature Film category at the 2025 Academy Awards. Directed by renowned filmmaker Carlos López, Sujo has garnered significant attention on the international film circuit for its gripping narrative and powerful performances, positioning it as a strong competitor in the upcoming Oscar race.

Sujo, which means "dirty" in Portuguese, is a hard-hitting drama set against the backdrop of Mexico's ongoing socio-political turmoil. The film tells the story of a young woman, played by breakout actress Mariana Reyes, who becomes entangled in a dangerous underworld while seeking justice for her family's wrongful eviction. Through her journey, the film explores themes of corruption, class struggle, and survival in a deeply divided society.

Since its debut at Sundance earlier this year, where it won the Grand Jury Prize, Sujo has captivated audiences and critics alike. The film has been praised for its raw depiction of urban decay and the emotional depth of its lead character. López’s direction, combined with stunning cinematography by Daniela Navarro, has been hailed as a cinematic triumph, and the film's unique narrative voice has drawn comparisons to the works of Alfonso Cuarón and Alejandro González Iñárritu.

“We are incredibly proud to represent Mexico with Sujo,” López said in a statement. “The film is a reflection of the realities many face in our country, and I hope it resonates with audiences around the world. Being considered for the Oscars is a dream come true, but more than anything, I want Sujo to spark conversations about justice and inequality.”

The Academy Awards’ International Feature Film category is highly competitive, with each country submitting one film for consideration. Over the past few years, Mexico has established itself as a force in the category, with films like Roma by Alfonso Cuarón, which won the Oscar in 2019, and I’m No Longer Here gaining significant international acclaim. Sujo’s selection highlights Mexico’s continued commitment to producing thought-provoking and socially relevant cinema.

Critics are already predicting that Sujo could follow in the footsteps of previous Mexican Oscar winners, given its strong festival showing and thematic relevance. In addition to its critical success, the film's powerful performances, particularly from Reyes, are seen as key factors that could help it secure a nomination.

Mexico's official selection adds to the growing anticipation for the 2025 Academy Awards, where Sujo is expected to be a standout in the International Feature Film race. With strong competition from films across the globe, Sujo will face a rigorous selection process as the Academy narrows down the entries, but the momentum behind the film suggests it is poised for success.

As the awards season unfolds, Sujo will continue its international festival tour, gaining further visibility ahead of the final Oscar nominations, which will be announced in early 2025.

Whether Sujo brings home the gold or not, its selection marks another milestone in Mexican cinema's rich and evolving legacy on the global stage.