Z

France-Algeria (1969): Thriller/Drama/Mystery

Costa-Gavras's Z, winner of the Academy Award for Best Foreign Film in 1970, is a classic political thriller, combining intrigue with raw emotional power. The story turns on the investigation of the assassination of a left-wing Greek politician (Yves Montand), and his government's attempts to cover up the murky circumstances. Montand receives death threats as he prepares to give a speech condemning the government, and is then run down in front of numerous witnesses. Jean-Louis Trintignant plays the judge assigned to the investigation, who gradually discovers how far the state will go to rid itself of political opposition. As he is warned off the case by his superiors, the judge becomes even more determined to discover the truth, no matter where it might lead. Costa-Gavras is in familiar territory here, but no one handles this type of material better. Cast also features Irene Papas and Jacques Perrin. Z is a classic of political intrigue and social consciousness. (ONCIC, Reggane, Valoria/Cinema V) (Robert Lane, Amazon.com)

Z became the first foreign language film since Grand Illusion (1938) to be nominated for Best Picture, and -- since it was also chosen as a nominee for Foreign Language Film -- the first to be nominated for both Best Picture and Best Foreign Language Film.

· Best Foreign Language Film 1969: (Algeria) (Jacques Perrin & Hamed Rachedi - Producers.)
· Best Film Editing 1969: Françoise Bonnot

· Best Picture 1969: Jacques Perrin & Hamed Rachedi - Producers
· Directing 1969: Costa-Gavras
· Writing (Screenplay based on material from another medium) 1969: Costa-Gavras, Jorge Semprún

5 nominations, 2 Awards