Omar Sy and François Cluzet in Untouchable

Global box office hit Untouchable has been selected to represent France in the foreign language 2013 Oscar race. Directed by Eric Toledano and Olivier Nakache, the feel-good dramedy is based on the true story of a wealthy quadriplegic (François Cluzet) who hires a black former convict (Omar Sy) as his carer and they become best friends.

Since its release last year, the film has turned out to be a phenomenal box office success, grossing over $355 million and becoming the biggest French film ever – in fact the biggest foreign-language film, after The Passion of The Christ.

Earlier this year, it was nominated for nine Cesar Awards, but won only one for co-lead Omar Sy as Best Actor.

Hollywood mogul Harvey Weinstein, who acquired the film’s US rights, vowed earlier this year to bring it to the Oscars.

The other main contender, which lost to Untouchable, was Jacques Audiard’s Rust and Bone, which features Oscar-winner Marion Cotillard.

This year’s selection committee included Cannes Film Festival chief Thierry Fremaux, director Sylvain Chomet and The Artist star Berenice Bejo.