Crossword Genius

Potentially Oscar-winning drama made money outside America finally (9)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

nominated

'potentially oscar-winning' is the definition.
(nominated for an Oscar)

'drama made money outside america finally' is the wordplay.
'drama' becomes 'no' (Noh or No is a Japanese masked drama).
'made money' becomes 'minted' (as in the Royal Mint).
'outside' is an insertion indicator.
'finally' suggests the final letters.
The last letter of 'america' is 'a'.
'minted' placed around 'a' is 'minated'.
'no'+'minated'='NOMINATED'

(Other definitions for nominated that I've seen before include "mentioned specifically" , "selected" , "Proposed as a candidate" , "Put forward for election" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
Want a hint initially instead of a full solution? Install my app