The Academy Has Reveales the Best International Feature Contenders Shortlist for the 2026 Oscars

The 2026 Oscars shortlist for International Feature Film marks a major step toward the 98th Academy Awards nominations, with fifteen global films advancing in the race from a field that included submissions from 86 countries and regions. Academy members from all branches participate in both the preliminary and nominations rounds of voting, making this year’s list one of the most diverse and internationally compelling years in recent memory.

‘Belén’ (2025)

‘Belén’ is a 2025 Argentine legal drama directed by and starring Dolores Fonzi, based on the real-life story of a woman wrongly imprisoned after a miscarriage and the lawyer fighting her case. The film examines systemic injustices and the fight for reproductive rights in Argentina, portraying the national controversy around the case that inspired widespread protests. It was selected as Argentina’s official entry and advanced to the Oscars shortlist.

‘The Secret Agent’ (2025)

‘The Secret Agent’ is a 2025 Brazilian political thriller directed by Kleber Mendonça Filho, depicting a former professor caught in the political turmoil of Brazil’s late military dictatorship as he navigates persecution and resistance. The film premiered at the Cannes Film Festival to wide acclaim and earned numerous awards before making Brazil’s Oscar shortlist.

‘It Was Just an Accident’ (2025)

‘It Was Just an Accident’ is the French entry on the shortlist, a drama co-produced with Luxembourg and potentially other partners, exploring layered narratives and character responses after an unexpected and disruptive event. While detailed plot info is less widely published, it remains among this year’s fifteen shortlisted films for Best International Feature Film.

‘Sound of Falling’ (2025)

‘Sound of Falling’ is Germany’s shortlisted film, a reflective drama set against a backdrop of personal and societal change. The film has been noted in awards discussions and continues Germany’s cinematic presence in international films considered for Oscar recognition.

‘Homebound’ (2025)

‘Homebound’ is an Indian drama directed by Neeraj Ghaywan and produced by Karan Johar, starring Ishaan Khatter, Janhvi Kapoor, and Vishal Jethwa. It premiered in the Un Certain Regard section at Cannes and focuses on the emotional journey of two rural friends and their aspirations, capturing both critical acclaim and now an Oscar shortlist position for India.

‘The President’s Cake’ (2025)

‘The President’s Cake’ is Iraq’s entry on the shortlist, a film that has garnered attention for its blend of personal story and national context. It is one of the four Arab films making the shortlist this year, reflecting storytelling from the region in international cinema.

‘Kokuho’ (2025)

‘Kokuho’ represents Japan on the shortlist with a compelling narrative rooted in Japanese culture and character study. Like the other shortlisted films, it has been chosen through Japan’s official Oscar selection process to compete for the Best International Feature Film nomination.

‘All That’s Left of You’ (2025)

‘All That’s Left of You’ is Jordan’s shortlisted film, directed by Cherien Dabis. It is an intergenerational family drama that navigates history and personal relationships, capturing a unique perspective from Jordanian cinema.

‘Sentimental Value’ (2025)

‘Sentimental Value’ is the Norwegian entry, a film that combines deeply personal storytelling with universal themes. It’s among the highly regarded films on this year’s international feature shortlist and reflects Norway’s strong tradition of character-driven cinema.

‘Palestine 36’ (2025)

‘Palestine 36’ appears as Palestine’s shortlisted historical epic, set during the Arab revolt of the 1930s. Directed by Annemarie Jacir, it combines historical depth with cinematic storytelling, contributing to this year’s diverse international offerings.

‘No Other Choice’ (2025)

‘No Other Choice’ is South Korea’s shortlisted entry, directed by Park Chan-wook. The film has attracted attention for its narrative intensity and cinematic ambition, representing South Korea’s increasingly prominent profile in global cinema.

‘Sirāt’ (2025)

‘Sirât’ is Spain’s entry on the shortlist, a road movie that follows a father and son through a journey filled with personal discovery and tense moments, set against the Moroccan landscape. The film won the Jury Prize at Cannes before being shortlisted for the Oscars.

‘Late Shift’ (2025)

‘Late Shift’ is Switzerland’s shortlisted film, a drama focusing on the life of a dedicated nurse navigating the challenges and emotional terrain of hospital life. It premiered at the Berlin Film Festival and has since drawn attention in its domestic and international release.

‘Left-Handed Girl’ (2025)

‘Left-Handed Girl’ is the Taiwanese entry on the shortlist, known for its storytelling simplicity and emotional depth. It represents Taiwan’s cinematic voice with a narrative that resonates across cultural boundaries and has attracted attention from international audiences.

‘The Voice of Hind Rajab’ (2025)

‘The Voice of Hind Rajab’ is a Tunisian-French docudrama directed by Kaouther Ben Hania that portrays the real events surrounding the tragic killing of a young Palestinian girl in Gaza and the Red Crescent volunteers’ efforts to help her. It premiered in competition at the Venice Film Festival, winning major prizes before becoming Tunisia’s Oscar shortlist entry.

Share your thoughts in the comments on which of these shortlisted international films you’re most excited to see get an Oscar nomination!