As a film reviewer and obsessive follower of the Academy’s international feature category, I’m willing to bet that several films from Middle Eastern countries will make the shortlist. And even posit that one will triumph on Oscar night.

Even though only 10 Middle Eastern countries are fielding titles, the region is yielding its most competitive lineup in years. The submissions encompass work from a former nominee (Tunisia’s Kaouther Ben Hania), a former short-listed helmer (Morocco’s Maryam Touzani), a winner of the prestigious Cannes Golden Camera (Iraq’s Hasan Hadi), as well as high-profile selections of the region from Sundance, Cannes, Venice, Toronto and Tribeca.

The trend of Middle Eastern stories submitted by other countries in the Oscar race continues. Last year, Germany received

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