The Nordic & Baltic Oscar Contenders series at Scandinavia House returns this season with screenings of films chosen by the Nordic & Baltic countries to compete for the Oscar nomination for the Best International Feature Film! On December 3, see Iceland’s official nomination for the 95th Academy Awards, Beautiful Beings (dir. Guðmundur Arnar Guðmundsson, Iceland, 2022); today’s screening is open to ASF Members and Academy Members only. Director Guðmundur Arnar Guðmundsson will be present for a film talk and Q&A after the screening.

Addi, a boy raised by a clairvoyant mother, decides to adopt a bullied misfit into his gang of outsiders. Left to their own devices, the boys explore aggression and violence but also learn about loyalty and love. As their behavior escalates towards life–threatening situations, Addi begins to experience a series of dreamlike visions. Can his newfound intuition guide him and his friends back to a safer path, or will they dive irrevocably into further violence?

“Radiant with violence and tenderness”—Variety

This screening will take place in-person at Scandinavia House in Victor Borge Hall.

This program is supported by the Consulate General of Iceland in New York.

Gudmundur Arnar graduated in Fine Art and studied screenwriting. His short films and feature debut have been showcased and awarded in numerous festivals. Among these accolades are Cannes Film Festival, Venice Film Festival and a nomination for the European Film Awards.

His debut feature Heartstone premiered in the Venice Days Competition in 2016 and ended up collecting over 50 awards worldwide.

ASF is committed to providing an environment free from harassment or discrimination in the treatment of individuals and does not permit harassment or discrimination in any forms (whether racial, sexual, religious, orientation or others) within our building.

Any visitors who do not abide by these policies will be required to leave. Read our our Non-Discrimination Policy here.