Dutch co-production The Secret Agent nominated for four Oscars

The Brazilian film The Secret Agent, directed by Kleber Mendonça Filho, secured four Oscar nominations on Thursday. The film was co-produced by the Dutch production company Lemming Film.

Set against the backdrop of the military regime of the 1970s, the drama will compete in mid-March for Oscars in the categories of best picture, international feature film, actor, and casting.

In The Secret Agent, Wagner Moura plays a scientist who attempts to escape the country as the dictatorship’s hold grows ever stronger. The film has built strong momentum on the awards circuit in recent months, including winning two Golden Globe awards.

Much of The Secret Agent’s post-production took place in the Netherlands, with Dutch specialists handling the sound design, music production, and some of the visual effects. The same country also provided the team behind a severed, hairy leg that features prominently as an unusual supporting character in the film.

Producer Erik Glijnis also calls the Oscar nominations a success for the Dutch film industry. “We’re drinking champagne,” Glijnis told ANP. “It’s unbelievable that a project we poured so much passion into has reached the very top.” Glijnis highlighted the best picture nomination as especially rare, noting that non-English-language films are seldom recognized in that category. “This is a landmark moment for Brazil,” he added, “and at the same time a historic achievement for Dutch film.”

In the Netherlands, The Secret Agent is showing at the International Film Festival Rotterdam and will open in cinemas across the country on February 12.