‘Hold Onto Me’ Director Myrsini Aristidou Kicks Off Historic Oscar Campaign for Sundance Audience Award Winner: ‘I Really Feel Like We’re Underdogs’
It’s been a whirlwind year for Cypriot filmmaker Myrsini Aristidou, whose 2026 started with a triumphant trip to Park City, where her debut feature, “Hold Onto Me,” won the audience prize in the World Cinema Dramatic competition at Sundance. Then, in September, the film made hist
Myrsini Aristidou's Oscar campaign for "Hold Onto Me" is making waves, and it's easy to see why. As a debut feature film, "Hold Onto Me" winning the audience prize at Sundance is a remarkable achievement, especially considering it was up against stiff competition. This momentum is crucial, as it sets the stage for the film's potential success at the Oscars.
The fact that Aristidou is positioning herself and her film as underdogs could play well with voters. There's a certain charm to the underdog story, and it can often galvanize support. Additionally, the film's success at Sundance and now its Oscar campaign, highlights the growing importance of international voices in the film industry. As the industry continues to evolve, we're seeing more stories from diverse perspectives being recognized and celebrated.
What's next to watch is how "Hold Onto Me" performs in the awards season. Will it continue to gain momentum, or will it fade away? Keep an eye on the film's performance at upcoming awards shows, and whether it can translate its Sundance success into Oscar gold. With the film's unique perspective and Aristidou's determination, it's definitely one to watch in the coming months.
Originally reported by variety.com. FilmNews adds analysis for culture, style & media readers.