Palm Springs 2004

On the occasion of this festival held in the Californian resort, we traditionnally announce our first Special Prize of the year: that of the Best Film in Foreign Language. In 2004, it was awarded to the Russian film The Return (Vozvrashenie), directed by Andrey Zvyagintsev, previously winner of the Venice Golden Lion.

Details of the prize

Reports:

In Search of Paradise. Lucy Virgen comments two films submitted to the Academy and to the Fipresci jury : the Islandic Noi Albinoi and the Thailandese Last Life in the Universe.
Manipulation or Idealization of Oscar Pretentions. Branka Sömen analyzes how some countries try to send to Oscar nominations the films they think more suitable for the selection committee.
Mission: Not Impossible – Palm Springs Audiences. Blanka Elekes Szentagotai describes why the festival achieves its mission towards the local public.
The Latin American Debutantes in the Search for the Oscar. Marcelo Janot comments the five Latin American debut features submitted to the Academy.
Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter... and Spring. Sheila Benson reviews KIm KI-duk latest film, official South Korean Oscar nomination.
The Return. Sheila Benson reviews the Russian winner of the Golden Lion in Venice, awarded with the International Critics' Prize in Palm Springs.