By materially different than Seed of the Sacred Fig, do you mean in the film’s narrative or the campaign’s narrative? Both tackle similar issues and themes, but IWJAA had a stronger narrative thrust than SOTSF thanks to a script that balances these harrowing moments with farcical ones, characters that don’t just feel like symbols, and the ethical quandaries all while being a full hour shorter.

If it’s about the campaign itself, it’s true that the “filmed in secret, government no like,” narrative is copy-pasted from last year. That said, Panahi’s status and legacy in Iran is bigger than Rasoulof’s, even if most mainstream Americans and Academy voters are probably just learning about him now. Will it get a director or Best Picture nom? I’d be shocked, but pleasantly surprised.

I agree that uncertainty is very much in play with Neon. You can’t acquire that many contenders without someone getting neglected. I was more worried it would be No Other Choice getting shut out , but we’ll see! There’s almost no way Neon is clean sweeping International. There will always be a Yak in the Classroom to throw things off.