The Estonian-Georgian movie, "Tangerines" ("Mandariinid" in Estonian), has been nominated for the Best Foreign Language Film category for the 87th Academy Awards.

The film was shortlisted in December, being one of nine of the initial 83 canditates in its category. The shortlist of five nominees was selected by specially invited committees in New York, Los Angeles and London.

“Tangerines” has become one of the most successful film involving Estonian filmmakers, notching up tens of international awards since 2013. It was also nominated for a Golden Globe for the best foreign language film.

The movie tells a story that takes place in 1992 during the war in Abkhazia in an Estonian village that was situated there. In the village, whose residents have fled from war, injured fighters from two opposite sides of the battle front happen to all be staying in the same house of an Estonian elder. The leading roles are played by Estonian actors Lembit Ulfsak and Elmo Nüganen, and Georgian actors Giorgi Nakhashidze and Mihhail Meskhi. The film was produced by an Estonian film producer Ivo Felt.

The film was produced by Estonian film production company Allfilm and Georgian production company Cinema 24.

The Oscars gala will be held on 22 February at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood.

Prior to the Oscar nominations ceremony, Felt and the rest of the crew remained realistic in their hopes for an Oscar nomination. "The chances are slim, but they are there," he said.

Following the announcement, Felt told kultuur.err.ee that they are all very happy, but as ever, remained modest when asked about the chances of taking home the coveted golden statue. "Nonetheless, it is nice to be among such a strong company of films," he said.

The international success of "Tangerines" is unprecedented in Estonian cultural history.

The other nominees for the Best Foreign Language Film are: