Oscar's foreign affairs.

With 55 films submitted so far for Oscar foreign-language film consideration, the entry pool sports the usual range of local hits (China's all-tune B.O. champ, "Aftershock"), festival highlights (Thailand's Palme d'Or winner "Uncle Boonmee Who Can Recall His Past Lives") and surprise choices.

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Chief among the surprises, at least to Stateside observers, was Italy's decision to submit Paolo Virzi's locally well-liked "The First Beautiful Thing" over Luca Guadagnino's international arthouse hit "I Am Love" (one of 10 films on Italy's shortlis). It's hardly the first time an import has gotten a U.S. embrace but little love at home (Spain for …