Winning all over: Despite setback, artists continue to celebrate ‘Joyland'

The Saim Sadiq directorial did not make it to the final list of nominees for the 95th Academy Awards

Joyland, Pakistan’s official submission to the Oscars, did not make it to the nominations list for the International Feature Film category at the 95th Academy Awards, despite being shortlisted. On Tuesday, actor Riz Ahmed announced the official nominations during a live broadcast with fellow artist Allison Williams.

Irrespective of the setback, many artists have come forward to lend their support to the Ali Junejo-starrer, including Indian filmmaker Onir who was the first to express his disappointment.

"I'm very disappointed not to see Joyland in the final nomination for the International Film Category for The Academy Awards. Joyland remains my favourite film this year. Congratulations to the entire team for such a glorious journey!" penned the Shab director, tagging Sadiq's Twitter handle.

Very disappointed not to see #Joyland in the final nomination for international film category for @TheAcademy awards . Remains my favourite this year. But congratulations to the team for such a glorious journey ❤️ @SaimSadiq14 👏 pic.twitter.com/f6dE5QNehy

— iamOnir (@IamOnir) January 24, 2023

Actor-cum-writer Aseem Chhabra also lauded Sadiq's efforts of pushing his film on the global front, despite the multiple challenges he encountered along the way. He said, "Both India’s and Pakistan’s official entries for the best international feature Oscar didn’t get nominated today. But Pan Nalin and Saim Sadiq worked really hard to promote their films. A huge congratulations to both the Last Film Show and Joyland teams for making it this far."

Both India’s and Pakistan’s official entries for the best international feature Oscar didn’t get the nominated today. But @PanNalin and @SaimSadiq14 worked really hard to promote their films. Big congratulations to both #LastFilmShow and #Joyland teams to make it this far.

— Aseem Chhabra (@chhabs) January 24, 2023

As the news circulated online, Pakistani celebrities also shared their two cents about Joyland. "The fact that Joyland didn't make it to the Oscars is very disappointing. Your film is beyond the Oscars. Take a bow," stated Habs director Musaddiq Malek.

The fact that #joyland didn't make it to oscars is very disapponting.#Oscars2023 #becausebrown @SaimSadiq14 your film is beyond oscars. Take a bow.

— Musaddiq Malek (@musaddiqmalek) January 24, 2023

Model-turned-host Frieha Altaf also encouraged Sadiq and his team, asking them to be delighted with their countless victories. She said, "I am disappointed that Joyland wasn’t nominated for an Oscar but I still want to celebrate the whole team and the movie! Please hold your head up high as you were shortlisted and that has made us proud!"

disappointed “Joyland” wasn’t nominated for the Oscar’s but I still want to celebrate all of u & the movie & pls hold ur head up high u were shortlisted! & made us proud @rizwanahmed @Malala @sarwatgilani #SaimSadiq #alina #saniasaeed #OscarNominations2023 #joyland @KhoosatFilms pic.twitter.com/H6Me5YOHW4

— Frieha Altaf (@FriehaAltaf) January 24, 2023

Pakistani-American actor Iqbal Theba recommended the film to his followers too. "I am so disappointed that Joyland was not nominated for an Oscar. Watch it if you get a chance," remarked the Glee actor.

So disappointed that #Joyland was not nominated for an Oscar. Watch it if you get a chance

— iqbal theba (@iqbaltheba) January 24, 2023

Prior to the Oscar nominee announcements, a Twitter post curated by TIFF read, "What Oscar Nominations are you manifesting this morning?" To this, actor Osman Khalid Butt responded with "Joyland!"

Joyland!

— Osman Khalid Butt (@aClockworkObi) January 24, 2023

Taking to Instagram, actor Adnan Malik hailed the Pakistani drama film for its brilliant story. "Well, this is disappointing. The heart swells with what you've achieved through tender, evocative and groundbreaking storytelling!" remarked the Cake star.

Filmmaker Iram Parveen Bilal also detailed a lengthy encouraging message to Sadiq and his team. She noted, "Team Joyland, what a journey and a fight! I'm so proud of you. You people have already achieved history! And boy, this level of global distribution is insane, and that's the biggest achievement of them all! A near-perfect feature film! Let your work roll out to its audience and continue to celebrate this giant feat of a first feature."

Other Pakistani celebrities such as Meesha Shafi and Arooj Aftab also gave a nod to the feature film for its roaring success. While Shafi chose to share an Instagram Story wishing Saim all the best before the Oscar nominations were announced, the Mohabbat crooner shared a news piece which lauded Joyland for grossing over $1 million at France's box office. "Winning all over!" read Aftab's caption on the post.

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