Japan Wins Best Foreign Language Film at Palm Springs Film Festival

Lily Franky in "Manbiki kazoku" (Shoplifters)

Alfonso Cuarón may have some competition…

The Mexican filmmaker’s partially-biographical film, Roma, has found favour from critics and audiences alike, winning the Golden Lion at the Venice Film Festival.

Its win at the Golden Globes for both Best Director and Best Foreign Language Film means it is likely a shoe-in to win at the Oscars for the latter next month.

But the acclaimed film may now have competition from Japan.

The Asian country’s entry to the Oscar race, Shoplifters, picked up the Best Foreign Language Film award at the 30th annual Palm Springs International Film Festival.

The Japanese drama tells the story of a family that relies on shoplifting to cope with a life of poverty.

It is expected to gain a spot when nominations for the 91st Academy Awards are announced on the 22nd of January.