The commission approved by the U.S. Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences in Lithuania has chosen director Laurynas Bareiša’s latest film, Drowning Dry (produced by Klementina Remeikaitė and Matiss Kaža), as the country’s contender for the prestigious Oscar award this year. The film recently won two awards at the Locarno Film Festival, making it Bareiša’s second film to be nominated as Lithuania’s entry for the Oscars.
According to Neringa Kažukauskaitė, chairwoman of the Lithuanian Oscar selection commission, Drowning Dry was selected for its original direction, unique storytelling, bold creative exploration, and excellent ensemble cast. “This film further solidifies the belief that high-quality auteur cinema is being created in Lithuania, capable of attracting and being valued worldwide, successfully competing in prestigious festivals and awards,” she said.
Drowning Dry unfolds on a hot summer day, where two couples—Justė with her family and Ernesta with her son and husband—arrive at a countryside home for a peaceful weekend. While everything seems normal, underlying tensions of jealousy and competition soon surface, turning the weekend in unexpected directions.
At the Locarno Film Festival, Drowning Dry won Best Director, and the cast—Gelminė Glemžaitė, Agnė Kaktaitė, Giedrius Kiela, and Paulius Markevičius—was recognized for Best Acting.
Laimonas Ubavičius, Director of the Lithuanian Film Center, expressed pride in the growing international recognition of Lithuanian cinema. He highlighted that Drowning Dry reflects current trends in Lithuanian cinema and represents the highest level of creative excellence on the international stage, making it a deserving candidate for the Oscars.
Following its selection in Lithuania, Drowning Dry will be evaluated by other Academy committees, who will choose five finalists from around the world, with only one winning the Oscar.
In 2023, Marija Kavtaradze’s Slow was Lithuania’s Oscar nominee, and in 2022, Bareiša’s debut feature film Pilgrims was nominated.
The Oscar selection process is organized by the Lithuanian Film Center and the Lithuanian Filmmakers Union.
Drowning Dry will be screened in Lithuania starting September 20.
About the Evaluation Committee
This year’s Oscar committee members in Lithuania, delegated by the Lithuanian Filmmakers Union, include Neringa Kažukauskaitė (chairwoman) – film critic, Rasa Samuolytė – actress, Ignas Miškinis – director, Marija Razgutė – producer, and Algimantas Puipa – director.
