Oscars: Switzerland Picks Health-Care Drama ‘Late Shift’ as Best International Feature Submission
Switzerland has tapped Petra Volpe’s Late Shift (Heldin) as its official submission for the 98th Academy Awards in the best international feature film category.
The drama, which had its world premiere as a special gala at the Berlin international film festival in February, stars September 5 and Teacher’s Lounge actress Leonie Benesch as Floria, a compassionate nurse whose hectic late shift turns into a race against time amid chronic staff shortages. A local box office hit — Late Shift was in the Swiss top 10 for weeks and has sold more than 650,000 tickets across German-speaking Europe — the film has sparked a broader discussion about the working conditions for the continent’s skilled healthcare workers.
Music Box Films has picked up North American rights to Late Shift and will release the film in the U.S.
“No one needs to bone up on the intricacies of the Swiss health care system before seeing Late Shift because Petra’s movie is universal, a grounded thriller that’s readily relatable to anyone who spends their working day on their feet,” said Brian Andreotti, head of acquisitions at Music Box Films. “Leonie’s outstanding central performance is a feat of stamina that drives home the dignity and strength of nurses everywhere. The Swiss Oscar committee has chosen wisely.”
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Volpe’s 2017 feature The Divine Order was also Switzerland’s Oscar submission but did not make the shortlist. The director recently wrapped her English-language debut Frank & Louis starring Indira Varma and Kingsley Ben-Adir.
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences will unveil its international feature shortlist on Dec. 16, with the five nominees announced Jan. 22. The 98th Academy Awards will be held on March 15, 2026.
