Cerermony - Oscar 2024: Justine Triet wins Best Original Screenplay with Anatomy of a Fall

By Mulder, Los Angeles, Dolby Theatre , 10 march 2024

At last night's Oscar ceremony, the industry turned its gaze to one of the year's most remarkable triumphs. French director Justine Triet saw her work crowned with success, winning the Oscar for Best Original Screenplay for her captivating film, Anatomy of a Fall. This profound courtroom drama, a collaboration with Arthur Harari, has become a worldwide phenomenon thanks to its poignant plot and complex characters, led by an outstanding performance from Sandra Hüller in the lead role of a writer desperate to prove her innocence in the mysterious death of her husband. The supporting cast, including talents such as Swann Arlaud, Milo Machado-Graner and Antoine Reinartz, brought additional depth and nuance to the story, capturing the attention of audiences and critics worldwide.

The recognition from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences comes on top of a string of awards and nominations that Anatomie d 'une chute has received since its world premiere at the 76th Cannes Film Festival. There, the film won not only the coveted Palme d'Or, but also the Palm Dog Award, demonstrating its universal appeal and rave critical reception from the outset. These preliminary successes were just a foretaste of the international reception that was to follow, with major awards such as two Golden Globes, a BAFTA, and now, this Oscar for Best Original Screenplay, cementing Triet's position as a leading filmmaker on the world stage.

The screenplay for Anatomy of a Fall stands out for its ability to weave together the threads of a heartbreaking family drama and a high-profile trial, all in the picturesque setting of an isolated chalet near Grenoble. The plot explores fractured family dynamics, the complexities of the legal system and individual quests for truth with finesse and intelligence. The story digs deep into human emotions, challenging viewers to question their own perceptions of guilt and innocence, while offering an enveloping narrative that defies expectations at every turn.

The resounding success of Anatomy of a Fall, with over 1.7 million admissions in France and widespread international recognition, not only reaffirms Justine Triet's exceptional talent as a director and screenwriter, but also highlights the strength and vitality of contemporary French cinema. The Oscar win underlines the importance of telling stories that transcend cultural and linguistic barriers, reaching a global audience through the universality of their themes and the truth of their emotions.

This year's Oscar ceremony will go down in history as a defining moment for French cinema, proving once again its ability to produce works of unparalleled depth and creativity. Anatomie d'une chute doesn't just win awards; it establishes itself as a modern classic, a work that defies convention and enriches cinematic discourse. With its captivating story, unforgettable performances and well-deserved recognition, Justine Triet's film continues to shine as a shining example of what cinema can achieve when driven by passion, artistry and ingenuity.

Synopsis: 
Sandra, Samuel and their 11-year-old visually impaired son Daniel have been living away from it all in the mountains for a year. One day, Samuel is found dead at the foot of their house. An investigation for suspicious death is opened. Sandra is soon charged, despite her doubts: suicide or homicide? A year later, Daniel attends his mother's trial, a veritable dissection of the couple.

Anatomy of a fall
Directed by Justine Triet
Produced by Marie-Ange Luciani, David Thion
Written by Justine Triet, Arthur Harari
With Sandra Hüller, Swann Arlaud, Milo Machado-Graner, Antoine Reinartz, Samuel Theis, Jehnny Beth, Saadia Bentaieb, Camille Rutherford, Anne Rotger , Sophie Fillières 
Music
Cinematography : Simon Beaufils
Editing: Laurent Sénéchal
Production companies: Les Films Pelléas, Les Films de Pierre
Distributed by Le Pacte
Release date: May 21, 2023 (Cannes) , August 23, 2023 (France)
Running time: 150 minutes

Photos: Copyright Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (for press use only)