La Grande Illusion: How Renoir's Anti-War Classic Broke Hollywood's Barriers

Jean Renoir's 1937 French film La Grande Illusion broke Hollywood's barriers by securing a Best Picture Oscar nomination, according to a report by The Hollywood Reporter. The anti-war classic achieved this feat at a time when subtitled films were considered exotic and it lacked the backing of a major studio.

It was nominated in the category then called Outstanding Production, competing against major studio films like Frank Capra's You Can't Take It with You, which won. The film's stateside distributor was World Pictures Corp., operated by foreign film importer Irvin Shapiro.

What is La Grande Illusion about?

The film is a somber, pacifist story. It follows two French pilots after they are shot down and become prisoners of war. They join a diverse group of fellow prisoners and plot their escape.

Why was its nomination significant?

Its nomination marked a major border crossing for foreign-language cinema in Hollywood. Before the establishment of a regular Best International Feature category, the Academy only occasionally recognized foreign films with Honorary Oscars.

The film was advertised as "A War Story without War Scenes!" and drew from Renoir's own experience as a cavalry officer and pilot wounded twice in the Great War.