She was chosen as a 2010 Shooting Star, and won Best Actress awards at festivals in Pula, Alexandria, Herceg Novi and Priština.

Speaking about Zrinka Cvitešić's nomination, director Jasmila Žbanić said, "We are thrilled! The nomination itself is a great acknowledgement of our work. Zrinka Cvitešić is an absolute treasure. I am glad that what we believe in has been confirmed - that Zrinka is one of the best European actresses of today. Whether she gets the majority of Academy votes or not, we'll be celebrating in Tallinn!"

The other nominees are German actress Sibel Kekill for her role in Feo Aladag's film When we leave, British actress Lesley Manvile for her role in Mike Leigh's Another Year, Austrian actress Sylvie Testud for her role in Jessice Hausner's Lourdes and Dutch actress Lotte Verbeek for her role in Urszule Antoniak's Nothing Personal.