It was China's official Best Foreign Language Film submission at the 72nd Academy Awards, but did not receive a nomination.

Film submissions were accepted from June 1, 2011 through November 30, 2011 via Withoutabox.

They also received acclaim for Around the Pink House, which was Lebanon's official Best Foreign Language Film submission at the 72nd Academy Awards, but did not manage to receive a nomination.

The Band's Visit was Israel's original Foreign Language Film submission for the 80th Academy Awards, but was rejected by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences because it contained over 50% English dialogue.