Spain picks ‘Volver’ to compete

Pedro Almodovar’s “Volver,” a comic drama about women making do without men, has been chosen to represent Spain among movies vying to be candidates for the best foreign film Oscar for 2006.

“Volver,” which stars Penelope Cruz, beat out Agustin Diaz Yanes’ “Alatriste” and Manuel Huerga’s “Salvador.” The decision was announced Thursday by the Spanish Academy of Cinematographic Arts and Sciences.

Almodovar’s “All About My Mother” won the 2000 Oscar for best foreign film and “Talk to Her” won the 2003 Oscar for best original screenplay.

On Wednesday, the Swedish Film Institute announced that it had selected “Falkenberg Farewell,” a movie about five childhood friends’ last summer in their small hometown, as the country’s entry for the best foreign film Oscar.

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences will announce the five candidates for best foreign film Jan. 23. The Oscar ceremony will be held Feb. 25.