Pakistan is yet to come forward with its official submission for the 93rd Academy Awards. Chaired by Sharmeen Obaid Chinoy, the committee is star studded with the newest addition of Hassan Shehryar Yasin(popularly known as HSY) and Mehwish Hayat. From film-makers to fashion designers all have bagged their spot in this year’s committee.
The ace of fashion design, HSY took it to Instagram to announce and show his gratitude, stating:
“Humbled and proud to be part of the Oscar committee for 2020. The committee will be chaired by two-time Academy Award and Emmy winning documentary filmmaker Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy and includes film director Asad-ul-Haq, actor Mehwish Hayat and musician Faisal Kapadia.”
Also taking it to social media, actor and activist, Mehwish Hayat announced her position in the committee. She believed that this opportunity would redefine Pakistan’s image internationally. She posted:
“At least this is one way that we can be putting a positive image of our country and highlighting our talent on the world stage, InshaAllah!”
Other celebrities also on the committee includes; Churails’ Director Asim Abbasi, Strings’ vocalist Faisal Kapadia and Dar Si Jaati Hai Sila’s screenwriter Bee Gul. Asad ul Haq, Maheen Zia, Hamza Bangash and Syed Mohammad Ahmed are also on the list.
Pakistan has won two Oscars for Best Documentary-Short Story; Saving Face and A Girl in the River: The Price of Forgiveness directed by Sharmeen Obaid Chinoy so far. This year Pakistan Academy Selection Committee will send its eight consecutive submissions for International Feature Film. Previously, Zinda Bhaag(2013), Dukhtar(2014), MOOR(2015), Mah-e-Mir(2016), Sawaan(2017), Cake(2018) and Lal Kabootar(2019) were submitted while Pakistan still awaits a nomination.
All eyes are set to this year’s submission to be announced in November 2020, with hopes of bringing an Oscar home.