‘Red’ Not Qualified For Foreign Category

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences is refusing to budge on its controversial decision to disqualify the film “Red” in the foreign language Oscar category.

The organization’s Foreign Language Film Award Executive Committee ratified its original decision - that “Red” does not qualify as a Swiss entry.

Committee chair Fay Kanin said that “we scheduled the meeting last week because we felt that, in the interest of fairness and out of respect for the artists involved in the film, we wanted to take another look at the situation.”

“We’re extremely disappointed,” said Miramax spokeswoman Cynthia Swartz.

“We had every indication that there was going to be a change. Now that the most likely avenue for this film to be honored seems to have been closed off, we hope the Academy might honor (its writerdirector) Krzysztof Kieslowski with a best director or best screeenplay nomination.”

Despite being named best foreign language film of 1994 by all major critics groups, AMPAS ruled that the Swiss submission wasn’t Swiss enough to qualify for that category.

Miramax Films co-chairman Harvey Weinstein sent the Academy a letter signed by more than 60 industry leaders urging AMPAS to reconsider its rejection of the film.

Academy president Arthur Hiller pointed out that “Red” qualifies for Oscar nominations in 17 categories, including best picture.

“This film is very much eligible for Academy Awards,” he said.