TRENDING — Romanian government fast-tracks Fjord for Oscar bid after Mungius Cannes win
Romanian director Cristian Mungiu’s historic second Palme d’Or win for *Fjord* at Cannes has triggered a national push to secure an Oscar nomination, with the Romanian government fast-tracking the film as a strategic cultural priority. Culture Minister Demeter Andras Istvan announced on Sunday that *Fjord*—a Norway-set drama about political and religious extremism—will be added to the country’s official list of projects earmarked for Academy Award campaign support, including funding for international promotion and screenings .
Mungiu, who returned to Bucharest on Sunday with the Palme d’Or in hand, framed the Oscar bid as a test of state commitment to Romanian cinema. “The state needs to do its job,” he told reporters at Henri Coandă Airport, dismissing symbolic gestures like medals and statues. “We’ve already got a suitcase full of those. What we need are real investments in infrastructure and campaigns that give Romanian films a fighting chance at global recognition” . His criticism echoed earlier remarks to *Adevărul*, where he urged authorities to “give a little more back to culture” after *Fjord*’s Cannes triumph .
The film’s Oscar prospects have galvanized political support. President Nicușor Dan called *Fjord* “an excellent calling card for Romania” and demanded “much more” from the administration to leverage the film’s success for the country’s broader cinematic ambitions . Moldova’s President Maia Sandu, whose country shares cultural ties with Mungiu’s roots, also congratulated the director, calling the win “a great joy” .
*Fjord*’s victory marks only the second time a Romanian director has claimed Cannes’ top prize, following Mungiu’s 2007 win for *4 Months, 3 Weeks and 2 Days*. The film’s themes—religious dogmatism and institutional abuse—have drawn praise for their boldness, with German outlet *taz* describing it as a “courageous appeal” in a politically charged climate . With the Oscar campaign now officially underway, Romania’s cultural establishment faces pressure to match Mungiu’s artistic achievement with tangible support.
> Background: **TRENDING — Cristian Mungiu wins second Palme dOr for Fjord at Cannes** — *9 hours ago*
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TRENDING — Romanian government fast-tracks Fjord for Oscar bid after Mungius Cannes win

