France Choses THE INTOUCHABLES for Best Foreign Film Oscar Contender

According to The Hollywood Reporter, France has chosen THE INTOUCHABLES as its contender for this years race for Best Foreign Film at the Academy Awards. The film which has grossed $364.5 million dollars worldwide and $8.9 million stateside was chosen by a commission that included seven members including: Cannes Film Festivals Thierry Fremaux, "A Prophet" screenwriter Abdel Raouf Dafri, "The Artist" star Berenice Bejo, "The Illusionist" helmer Sylvain Chomet, Haut et Court producer Carole Scotta ("The Class").

THE INTOUCHABLES was released in theaters on May 25, 2012 from The Weinstein Company. The drama was directed and written by Olivier Nakache and Eric Toledano and stars François Cluzet, Omar Sy, Anne Le Ny, Audrey Fleurot, Clotilde Mollet, Alba Gaïa Bellugi, Cyril Mendy, Christian Ameri, Grégoire Oestermann, Joséphine de Meaux and Dominique Daguier.

"The Intouchables" tells the true story of a wealthy, physically disabled risk taker, the picture of established French nobility, who lost his wife in an accident and whose world is turned upside down when he hires a young, good-humored, black Muslim ex-con as his caretaker. Their bond proves the power and omniscience that love and friendship can hold over all social and economic differences.

The 85th Academy Awards nominations will be announced on January 15, 2013 with the Oscar telecast on Feb. 24th.