Pablo Larrain's "Neruda" will represent Chile at the Oscars. Considered to be one of the greatest filmmakers Chile has ever had, Larrain has represented Chile four times at the Oscars. Last year Larrain's film "The Club" represented the country and in 2012, his film "No" was nominated for the Oscar. The first time the director represented was in 2008 with the award winning film "Tony Manero."

This year "Neruda" is one of the front-runners for the prize as it premiered at Cannes Film festival to rave reviews and was later picked up for distribution by the Orchard. The film, which stars Gael Garcia Bernal, is slated to play at the Toronto and New York Film Festivals where buzz will grow even stronger.

And Larrain's profile should increase as well as it represents an exceptional year because Larrain will also get a chance at a Best Director nomination with his film "Jackie,' which will be distributed by Fox Searchlight. That film scored rave reviews out of the Venice Film Festival where it won Best Screenplay. While he will be competing against himself, "Neruda's profile will likely be increased by "Jackie's" appeal to a wider mainstream audience.

Chile began submitting films in 1990 but was not nominated until 2012 with "No." That film played at the Cannes Film festival where it scored rave reviews and won the top prize at the Director's Fortnight and later went to play at the Sundance, Telluride and New York Film Festivals.

As noted Larrain represented last year with "The Club," a film that was quickly acquired by Music Box and scored the Silver Bear at the Berlin Film Festival. It also scored a Golden Globe Nomination.

"Neruda" faces some steep competition but with a big Oscar push The Orchard is planning for the film and buzz out of the festival, expect this film to easily make the shortlist and get the nomination. However, first it must compete against heavyweights "Toni Erdman," "Julietta," "From Afar," and 'The Happiest Day in the Life of the Olli Maki'

In recent years the Academy has awarded "Son of Saul," "Ida," "The Great Beauty," and "A Separation" the best foreign language film of the year.

The deadline to submit for the foreign language category is Oct. 3. On Jan. 17 the Academy will announce the nine finalists from among the eligible films and on Jan. 24 nominations will be announced. The winner will be announced at the Oscar ceremony on Feb. 26, 2017.