What do you think, which film will win the Foreign Language Film Oscar? Although I don't agree with you about the pacing of the film as it built up bit by bit to the final third by presenting meaningful but small everyday activities, I believe the utterly humane and sensitive "Shoplifters" won't win the price. Cuarón's amazing "Roma" will most likely take it home.
Black and white films tend to du well. There are two this year. But I think you are probably right. Roma has had wider exposure. It may be a better film as well. I haven’t seen it yet.