 Departures was submitted to the 81st Academy Awards as Japan 's submission for the Best Foreign Language Film award . Although eleven previous Japanese films had won Academy Awards in other categories , such as Best Animated Feature or Best Costume Design , the as @-@ yet unattained Best Foreign Language Film award was highly coveted in the Japanese film industry . Departures was not expected to win , owing to strong competition from the Israeli and French submissions ( Ari <unk> 's Waltz with Bashir and Laurent <unk> 's The Class , respectively ) , but was ultimately the victor at the February 2009 ceremony . This was considered a surprise by several film critics , and The New York Times 's David Itzkoff termed Departures " The Film That Lost Your Oscars Pool for You " . Motoki , who was expecting the " wonderful " Israeli submission to win , was also surprised ; he described himself as a " hanger @-@ on who just observes the ceremony " , and regretted " not walk [ ing ] with more confidence " upon his arrival . 
