Argentina earns its second Oscar

WASHINGTON D.C., U.S.A. - Argentine director Juan José Campanella still can't believe it.

But it's not fiction.

His "El Secreto de Sus Ojos" ("The Secret in Their Eyes") won the Academy Award for best foreign language film.

With Campanella's victory, Argentina won its second Oscar, following the win by "The Official Story" in 1985. In total, the country has received six nominations, according to the Academy Award Web site.

"Tomorrow, as I wake up to drink water... maybe it will sink in," Campanella told reporters at a media conference at the Mondrian hotel in Hollywood, according to Reuters.

Among the nominees for best foreign language movies there was another South American film - "La Teta Asustada" ("Milk of Sorrow"), directed by Peruvian Claudia Llosana. The Israeli "Ajami," and the French "A Prophet" were also contending for the award.

In 2001, Campanella received his first nomination for the Academy, with "El Hijo de la Novia" ("Son of the Bride"). The Argentine director lives in Buenos Aires, but frequently has worked in American TV, including the hit shows "House" and "30 Rock," according to The Associated Press.

"I want to thank the academy for not considering Na'vi a foreign language," Campanella jokingly said during his acceptance speech, referring to the dialect used in the fictional film "Avatar."

But as the background music got louder - a sign that he should conclude his speech and exit the stage - Campanella bellowed in Spanish: "Let's move forward Argentina and a hug to our brothers in Chile!" to the worldwide audience.

In Argentina, 2.5 million have seen "El Secreto de Sus Ojos," according to the newspaper El Clarín. The movie has also been well received in Spain. Now, Campanella expects the Oscar to open doors for the film in the countries where it hasn't been shown yet, such as the U.S., where it is expected to open April 16, according to Reuters.

Earlier this year "El Secreto de sus Ojos" already won Spain's Goya award for best foreign movie, and the movie's star - actress Soledad Villamil - was rewarded for her performance by being named the year's best new actress.

In 2009, the movie won many awards in the Havana Film Festival, including best director, best male actor and best original soundtrack.

"El Secreto de Sus Ojos," a thriller that centers on a 25-year manhunt, features Ricardo Darín, who also was in Campanella's previous hit "El Hijo de la Novia."

In "El Secreto de Sus Ojos," Darín stars as Benjamín Espósito, a recently retired court employee who has his sights set on writing his first novel - one based on being a witness and participant in the murder of an Argentine woman in 1974.

Other Notable 2010 Academy Award Winners

Best Picture: "The Hurt Locker"

Best Actor: Jeff Bridges, "Crazy Heart"

Best Actress: Sandra Bullock, "The Blind Side"

Best Supporting Actor: Chrisoph Waltz, "Inglourious Basterds"

Best Supporting Actress: Mo'Nique, "Precious"

Best Director: Kathryn Bigelow, "The Hurt Locker"

Animated Film: "Up"

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