• Joyland is said to be the first Pakistani film to be nominated for an Oscar.
• Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences shortlists for 10 categories.
• Film was at first outlawed for having “objectionable content” in its own country.

Joyland has risen to new heights after being chosen for the International Feature Film category at the Oscars.

An international feature film with a transgender topic from Pakistan made the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences shortlists for 10 categories for the 95th Academy Awards.

The film, which was at first outlawed for having “objectionable content,” is said to be the first Pakistani effort to be nominated for an Oscar, the highest-profile honor in the entertainment business.

Other films in this genre include Argentina from Argentina, Corsage from Austria, Close from Belgium, Cambodia’s Return to Seoul, Holy Spider from Denmark, Saint Omer from France, All Quiet on the Western Front from Germany, The Quiet Girl from Ireland, Bardo from Mexico, False Chronicle of a Handful of Truths from Mexico, The Blue Caftan from Morocco, EO from Poland, Decision to Leave from South Korea, and Cairo Conspiracy from Sweden.

Leading celebrities and activists like Noble Aureate Malala and British actor Riz Ahmed praised the Oscar nomination as the media took notice of Joyland’s most recent accomplishment.

Malala recently sent a happy message on Instagram. “Everyone behind the screen who was on the screen. You guys did such an amazing job. Being a part of this endeavor is a great honor for me. For all of the artists and for Pakistan, it is really an incredible time. The squad must be aware of how proud everyone is of them, she wrote.

A screenshot of an article detailing Joyland’s Oscars submission was also posted by Riz Ahmad, Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy, and others.

The film first encountered a number of issues in its own country. It was prohibited in Punjab after the censor board cleared it because it had extremely unpleasant content that was opposed to Pakistani religious and social norms.

Also Read

Celebrities protest the suspension of film “Joyland”

Joyland is facing a major roadblock in its journey to release in...