Oscars Check-In: ‘Drive My Car’ Highlights An Already Stacked “Best International Feature Film” List This Year

Winning high-profile awards pretty much non-stop this year, Drive My Car is destined to win at least one of four applicable Academy Awards. Director Ryusuke Hamaguchi, only the third Japanese director ever nominated for Best Picture at the Oscars, has a chance to win after Parasite’s historic success set a precedent for non-English language films in 2020.

Yūsuke struggles with the death of his wife as he puts on a production of Uncle Vanya in Hiroshima. Based on a short story by Haruki Murakami, the theater company requires Yūsuke to have a chauffeur who witnesses Yūsuke’s struggle closer than anyone else.

Hamaguchi is known for directing and co-writing Happy Hour, Asako I & II, and Wheel of Fortune and Fantasy, though Drive My Car is his most high-profile release. His new film has won over 50 awards worldwide, including Best Picture from the LAFCA, NYFCC, and NSFC (only the sixth film with this achievement).

• Hidetoshi Nishijima - Yūsuke Kafuku

• Reika Kirishima - Oto Kafuku, Yusuke's wife

• Tōko Miura - Misaki Watari

• Masaki Okada - Kōji Takatsuki

• Best Picture

• Best Director

• Best Adapted Screenplay

• Best International Feature Film

The direction and screenplay of Drive My Car are filmmaking perfection; the detail and style mark a filmmaker who loves the craft, as Hamaguchi takes inspiration from like-minded creators who also love their art. With some of the best reviews of 2021, Drive My Car is essential viewing.

Drive My Car is available to watch on HBO Max now! The 94th Oscars ceremony is on March 27th, 2022.