«We have a chance: we are no favourites but these past few years surprises have happened. My hope is that «Tangerines» has touched the hearts of all who got the anti-war message. The film is well made, excellent music and script,» Ms Detlofson told Postimees.

«All four main roles are very likable, some came close to comparing the Ivo by Lembit Ulfsak with God and Markus by Elmo Nüganen as His assistant. Some academy members showed up to see the movie for the second time over the week-end, and were seriously considering voting for it.»

«Peace be to you! The chance is 20 percent, we have five movies competing,» said the «Tangerines» producer Ivo Felt.

These days, the Hollywood Boulevard is living in anticipation of the Oscars. Partly, the street is already closed for traffic and the fenced-off are keeps widening day by day. Meanwhile, all are welcome to shoot – and pay for! – a picture of all sorts of costumed heroes.

Ads «fired off» to wind up campaign

The Oscars voting was closed on Tuesday, preceded by the last act of a long campaign: full page ads in Hollywood Reporter, Variety and Wrap; 24-hour full-blast ad in Deadline Hollywood – at cheap price.

All told, the film was shown 19 times including at the script-writers guild, a repeat at directors guild, in American Film Institute. On top of that, in New York and London where a considerable number of academy members dwell.

Hopefully, two pieces of good news sent a happy signal: a contract with Samuel Goldwyn Films to spread «Tangerines» in US movie theatres, and the Satellite award by International Press Academy (IPA) with membership of some 200 film and TV journalists from all over the world.

«The latter is nothing big but it’s not bad either – main thing, it happened just before the voting was closed,» said Ivo Felt, the producer.

«Now, there’s nothing more we can do,» were the Wednesday morning worn-out words Tatyana Detlofson in charge of the ads campaign.

On Tuesday, Mr Felt and director Zaza Urušadze were joined in USA by Lembit Ulfsak and cinematographer Rein Kotov; Wednesday saw the arrival of the Georgian actors Mihheil Meshi and Giorgi Nakašidze. All six are participating in the ceremony, Sunday night.

Prior to that, there’ll be a press conference, the red carpet dress rehearsal, festive reception at the academy and a symposium of non-English nominees. Everything is possible.

Foreign language film Oscar nominees

«Ida» (Poland)

«Leviathan» (Russia)

«Tangerines» (Estonia)

«Timbuktu» (Mauritania)