Puerto Rico Bumped Out Of Oscar Foreign Film Category

By Michael Lopez

Is it possible that Latin American movie-makers are hating on Puerto Rico? Apparently the Academy Awards have now given in to demands to disqualify the commonwealth from competing in their Best Foreign Language Film category. Rumors are swirling that other competitive countries pressured the Oscars to bump out Puerto Rico because they are "technically" part of the U.S.

Since 1986, Puerto Rico has had 11 Foreign Language movies nominated, including classics like La Gran Fiesta and What Happened to Santiago. The snub is actually quite surprising, considering that in sporting events like the Olympics, Puerto Rico is recognized as its own independent entity.

But that hasn't convinced the Academy, which is holding firm with the new ruling.

"We wanted to clear up an inconsistency that allowed a U.S. territory to compete in a category meant for countries outside the U.S.," Oscar COO Ric Robertson said. "We told them in our letter last year that 2010 would be the last time they could submit an entry."

The news may actually go down hardest with acclaimed director Sonia Fritz. Her 2011 feature America was reportedly a shoe-in for the category. Now, it's got to try its luck in the mainstream Best Picture world.

Do you think Puerto Rico got an unfair snub? Sound off in the comments or @MTV3.

Tags Academy Awards, America, Award Shows, Blogger: Michael Lopez, Chisme, Movies & CineMás, Oscars, Puerto Rico, Sonia Fritz