LOS ANGELES (AP) — The stark portrayal of war “Im Westen nichts Neues” (“All Quiet on the Front”) won the Oscar for best international feature film on Sunday.
The film starring Felix Kammerer, and directed and co-written by Edward Berger, came in with nine nominations, including best picture.
It also won the Oscar for best cinematography and original music.
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Berger took the stage accompanied by Kammerer as well as others involved in the film.
“This was your first film and you didn’t carry it on your shoulders like it was nothing,” he told the 27-year-old Austrian actor. “Without you none of us would be here.”
The Netflix film surpassed “Argentina, 1985” from Argentina, “Close” from Belgium, “EO” from Poland and “An Cailín Ciúin” (“The Quiet Girl”) from Ireland.
It is based on the classic 1929 novel of the same name by Erich Maria Remarque. It takes place during the First World War and follows the life of a young German soldier who joins the army with his friends. The reality of war ends his hope of becoming a hero and instead forces him to fight for his own survival.
The film does not fully adhere to Remarque’s novel. It delves into political issues against the background of war. It was released last year when Russia invaded Ukraine in the biggest military conflict in Europe since World War II, bringing unexpected relevance to the film.
“All Quiet on the Western Front” won seven British Academy Film BAFTAs, including Best Picture.
The original American film, starring Lew Ayres, debuted in 1930 and won Oscars for best picture and best direction.
The novel was also adapted into a TV movie starring Richard Thomas and Ernest Borgnine, which was awarded an Emmy and a Golden Globe.