It’s been an exceptional year for Scandinavian cinema, with films from our modest region making waves at major film festivals and steadily gaining attention. The excitement continued yesterday with the release of the Oscars shortlist, narrowing down the nominees across 10 categories and eliminating hundreds of contenders. Among these categories is Best International Feature Film, which was trimmed down from 85 eligible films from 85 countries to just 15. Three Scandinavian films made the cut, marking a significant achievement for our region.

This news comes as little surprise; all three films have been garnering buzz at international festivals for months. However, it’s further confirmation that, despite our small size, Scandinavia is a force to be reckoned with in the world of film. Now, all that’s left is to await the Oscar nominations announcement on January 17th.

Here’s everything you need to know about the three Scandinavian films shortlisted for an Oscar nomination.

The Girl With The Needle (Denmark)
Although The Girl With The Needle is Denmark's submission this year, its success also reflects well on Sweden, as director Magnus von Horn hails from Gothenburg. The film tells a harrowing and disturbingly timely story about a woman facing an unplanned pregnancy, unemployment, and a lack of options. Starring Vogue Scandinavia alum Vic Carmen Sonne and Danish film icon Trine Dyrholm, this black-and-white film is not an easy watch but is undeniably important.

Related: Trine Dyrholm on approaching the difficult subject matter in Denmark's Golden Globe-nominated ‘The Girl With The Needle’

Armand (Norway)
Directed by Halfdan Ullmann Tøndel, the grandson of cinematic legends Ingmar Bergman and Liv Ullmann, Armand marks a promising directorial debut. The film stars acclaimed Norwegian actress Renate Reinsve as a mother grappling with an accusation involving her adolescent son. Tightly shot and intense, Armand is making waves at "first feature" awards leading up to the Oscars. It’s clear that great filmmaking runs in the family.

Touch (Iceland)
Touch is the most feel-good (albeit bittersweet) contender in this trio. Directed by Baltasar Kormákur, this non-linear film follows an older man, beautifully portrayed by Egill Ólafsson, as he searches for his long-lost love. Based on the novel by Ólafur Jóhann Ólafsson, this film will linger with you, offering an emotional experience that will stay long after award season ends.

With these three films making the shortlist, Scandinavia is proving once again that it is a powerhouse in the world of cinema. Fingers crossed for the upcoming Oscar nominations!