Hallström is a habitué of Hollywood's glamorous Academy Awards. His film My Life as a Dog was twice nominated in 1985 for Best Adapted Screenplay and Best Director. In 2000 his English Language The Cider House Rules won two Oscars for Best Supporting Actor (Michael Caine) and Best Adapted Screenplay (John Irving) and received six nominations (including Best Picture and Director). The following year Chocolat had five nominations including Best Picture and Best Adapted Screenplay.
The Hypnotist (Hypnotisören) - Hallström's first Oscar entry as Swedish potential candidate- is again adapted from a best-selling novel, the first of a series of crime dramas brought to the screen by Svensk Filmindustri. The film stars Tobias Zilliacus, Mikael Persbrandt and Lena Olin. SF handles international sales.
Norway's current box office champion Kon Tiki by Espen Sandberg and Joachim Rønning is pre-selected by the Norwegian Oscar Committee. The epic adventure film had the best opening ever for a Norwegian film in Norway. The film was produced by Aage Aaberge for Nordisk Film Production AS and the Oscar-winning British producer Jeremy Thomas (Recorded Picture Company). World sales are handled by Hanway Films.
Both The Orheim Company (Kompany Orheim) by Arild Andresen and I Belong (Som du ser meg) are produced by Motlys AS. The Orheim Company based on Tore Renberg's novel, has already collected several international awards including Best Nordic Film in Gothenburg and it is the Norwegian entry for the Nordic Council Film Prize 2012. World sales are handled by NonStop Sales.
I Belong is the feature film debut of Norwegian writer Dag Johan Haugerud. The multi-portrayal of people who all want to do good but end up hurting each other will be released theatrically in Norway on September 14. World sales are handled by K5 International. Norway's final Academy Award candidate for Best Foreign Language Film will be announced on September 13, 2012.
The Hypnotist and Kon Tiki were both supported by Nordisk Film & TV Fond.
The Oscars nominations will be announced on January 15, 2013 and the Hollywood gala is scheduled for February 24, 2013.