This year a number of countries are representing at the Oscars and are bringing some of the most acclaimed films of the year, many of which already have distribution.

The biggest contenders come from Brazil, Colombia, Chile, Guatemala and Argentina. Brazil is represented by "The Second Mother," a film that was selected for Sundance and which was picked up by Oscilloscope. In its theatrical run, the film enjoyed rave reviews and a potent box office showing.

Meanwhile, Pablo Larrain is back with the Berlin Film Festival selection "The Club." The movie won the Grand Jury Award and went on to be a big festival hit. Music Box is releasing the picture next year and if the film is nominated, it would be the second time for a Larrain film.

Previously "No" by the director received the first nomination for Chile.

Colombia is also a tough contender this year as it has "Embrace of the Serpent." The movie opened in Cannes to rave reviews and win the C.I.C.A.E Award at the festival. It was later picked up by Oscilloscope for U.S distribution and began an impressive festival run. The film is a huge contender and many expect to get Colombia its first nomination.

Argentina has "El Clan," which premiered at the Venice Film festival and won the Best Director prize at the festival. The country has previously submitted Pablo Trapero films but this seems to be his strongest to date. Argentina is among the most awarded Latin American countries and this year may be another lucky year for the country.

Although these are the strongest of Latin America, there is a plethora of amazing movies that Hispanics have to offer for the Academy.

Dominican Republic has "Sand Dollars" with Geraldine Chaplin which was distributed by Breaking Glass. The movie premiere at Toronto and reviews have been very positive.

Guatemala submitted for the first time with "Ixcanul Volcano." The film was recently picked up by Kino Lorber after a successful festival run.

Ireland's film is a Latino story set in Cuba and deals with LGBT issues. The movie is being released by Magnolia next year and its festival response is impressive.

Pantelion is releasing Mexico's "600 Miles." The movie won the Best First Feature at the Berlin Film Festival and it stars Tim Roth.

Venezuela, which made history at the Venice Film Festival with "Desde Alla," is submitting the Berlin Film festival selection "Gone with the River." The film was among the most acclaimed for the country but U.S. distribution has not occurred yet.

Of the countries with the least chances are Uruguay's "A Moonless Night," Paraguay's first submission ever "Cloudy Times" and Costa Rica's "Imprisoned."

While there is no way of knowing that any of these films will actually make it, 2015 showed that Latin American film was in full bloom and continues to break boundaries.

Related