Celebrated Lebanese film Capernaum nominated for foreign language Oscar

"Thank you to everyone who supported us on this wonderful journey," read a message posted on Capernaum's Twitter page. "The next chapter starts today!"

Capernaum, which premiered in Cannes in May, will be up against four other films for the award.

The star-studded ceremony for the 91st Academy Awards will take place on February 24 in Los Angeles.

The nomination comes after Labaki's film won the Jury Prize at Cannes, where it received a 15-minute standing ovation.

Capernaum was the second Lebanese film to get the Oscars nod, with Ziad Doueiri's The Insult nominated in 2017.

"I think The Insult and Capernaum resonate well with audiences from around the world," film enthusiast and co-founder of Let's Talk About Movies, Anis Tabet told The New Arab.

"Even though the events take place in Lebanon, it could also happen anywhere in the world. That's why both movies were relatable and significant in my opinion. And Cannes was a great platform for Capernaum."

Capernaum centres around Zain, a 13-year-old Syrian refugee living in a Beirut slum who takes his parents to court for bringing him into the world knowing they can't provide food, safety or even ID papers.

"I think [Capernaum] triggered a discussion for sure," Tabet said. "And it was generally well received. People were truly moved by the story and praised Labaki for her achievement. And people are still talking about it months after its release."

Earlier this month, Oprah Winfrey tweeted to her 42 million followers that Capernaum would be "worthy" of their time.

"Story of a young boy who sues his parents for having children they can't take care of. Makes you think of all the children for whom this story is a daily reality. Bravo team #Capernaum," she wrote.