Paolo Strippoli’s horror thriller “L’Estranea” (“The Spiral”) will represent Italy at the 99th Academy Awards. The selection gives Italy’s Oscar campaign an unusual genre twist.
The 33-year-old director’s film won the selection on September 23. It emerged from a field of 21 Italian films considered for the International Feature Film category.
The film also beat new projects from Cannes winner Nanni Moretti and director Gabriele Muccino.
For Strippoli, the selection carries special significance. It highlights both his young age and the unusual genre choice for Italy’s Oscar campaign.
A different kind of Italian Oscar entry
“L’Estranea” combines horror and thriller elements. The film recently premiered in Venice.
The story follows Anna, a mother who visits her daughter Alice during a storm. Anna arrives at Alice’s apartment with a deeply buried family secret.
She also reveals a dark pact from the past. As a result, the revelation begins to damage their relationship.
Jasmine Trinca, Romana Maggiora Vergano, Adriano Giannini, Valeria Bruni Tedeschi and Andrea Genovese lead the cast.
Meanwhile, the Italian selection committee praised the film as a new genre project from a young filmmaker. The committee also noted the positive response from audiences and critics.
Strippoli said the decision stood out because horror and thriller films rarely represent Italy at the Oscars. He described the selection as an “unexpected and bold choice.”
A young filmmaker gets a big vote of confidence
Strippoli was born in Puglia. At 33, he also sees the Oscar selection as an important moment in his career.
The choice gives “L’Estranea” a place on the international Oscar stage. At the same time, it gives the young director a major opportunity to reach a wider audience.
The film now enters the next stage of the Oscar race.
The Academy plans to announce the International Feature Film shortlist on December 15. Oscar nominations will follow on January 21, 2027.
The 99th Academy Awards will take place in Los Angeles on March 14, 2027.
For now, Italy has chosen an unconventional Oscar contender. Instead of following a familiar path, the country is sending a horror thriller to compete on the international stage.
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