The Academy Has Revealed the Shortlist for the 2026 Best International Feature Oscars

Here’s your 2026 Oscars shortlist — International Feature Film listicle with all 15 films that advanced to the next round of voting for the 98th Academy Awards, complete with introductions and year-of-release info where available. The films come from a record-wide 86 countries and were announced by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences in December 2025.

‘Belén’ (2025)

Argentina’s entry, directed and led by Dolores Fonzi, dramatizes the true story of lawyer Soledad Deza as she fights to free a young woman unjustly imprisoned for an illegal abortion, based on Ana Correa’s book Somos Belén. The film premiered in Argentina and at international festivals in 2025 and was chosen as the country’s Oscar submission, later making the shortlist.

‘The Secret Agent’ (2025)

This Brazilian drama from director Kleber Mendonça Filho follows a former professor fleeing persecution amid Brazil’s 1977 military dictatorship. It premiered in competition at the 2025 Cannes Film Festival, winning multiple awards, and was Brazil’s official submission for the International Feature Film category at the 98th Academy Awards.

‘It Was Just an Accident’ (2025)

Directed by Jafar Panahi and submitted by France, this darkly incisive film premiered at the 2025 Cannes Film Festival, where it won the Palme d’Or. Shot without official Iranian permission, it combines humor and social critique, earning widespread international acclaim and positioning it as a major contender on the Oscar shortlist.

‘Sound of Falling’ (2025)

Germany’s entry, directed by Mascha Schilinski, is an intergenerational drama that spans a century on a remote German farm, exploring the lives of four women whose stories are quietly interconnected. The film won the Jury Prize at Cannes in 2025 and was selected as Germany’s submission for the Best International Feature Film.

‘Homebound’ (2025)

India’s official entry, directed by Neeraj Ghaywan and co-produced by Karan Johar, stars Ishaan Khatter, Vishal Jethwa and Janhvi Kapoor. After critical buzz and a strong festival run, Homebound has advanced to the Oscar shortlist, moving one step closer to potential nomination.

‘The President’s Cake’ (2025)

Iraq’s submission, The President’s Cake, was selected to represent the country in the International Feature Film race, marking another significant entry from the Middle East on the Oscar shortlist, though detailed plot information remains limited ahead of final nominations.

‘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)

Jordan’s entry, directed by Cherien Dabis, All That’s Left of You follows a Palestinian family across generations amidst regional conflict. It premiered at the 2025 Sundance Film Festival and was selected to represent Jordan at the Oscars.

‘Sentimental Value’ (2025)

Norway’s Sentimental Value made the Oscars shortlist as its official submission, representing Scandinavian cinema in this competitive year. Although specific narrative details are not widely documented yet, its selection highlights strong national support.

‘Palestine 36’ (2025)

Directed by Annemarie Jacir, Palestine 36 is Palestine’s Oscar submission set during the 1936 Arab revolt under British mandate. The film debuted at major festivals in 2025 and blends personal drama with historical upheaval, earning its place on the shortlist.

‘No Other Choice’ (2025)

South Korea’s No Other Choice was selected as the country’s entry for the International Feature category. While detailed plot summaries are limited ahead of final nominations, its advancement to the shortlist continues South Korea’s strong presence in global awards races.

‘Sirāt’ (2025)

Spain’s selection, Sirât, directed by Óliver Laxe, follows a father and son’s journey across landscapes and emotional terrains. The film won the Jury Prize at Cannes 2025 and also earned multiple shortlist placements in other Oscars categories.

‘Late Shift’ (2025)

The Swiss drama Late Shift (original title Heldin), directed by Petra Volpe, centers on the daily life and struggles of a dedicated nurse. It premiered at the Berlin Film Festival in 2025 and has since become one of Switzerland’s most visible films, earning its Oscar shortlist spot.

‘Left-Handed Girl’ (2025)

Taiwan’s official submission Left-Handed Girl advanced to the Oscar shortlist alongside other international picks. It represents Taiwanese cinema in a field of diverse global stories, though broader synopsis details are still emerging.

‘The Voice of Hind Rajab’ (2025)

Tunisia’s The Voice of Hind Rajab is a poignant docudrama depicting the final hours of a child during the 2024 Gaza conflict, blending real audio with reenactment. Premiering at the Venice Film Festival and winning its Grand Jury Prize, it garnered critical recognition ahead of its Oscar submission.

Let me know if you want a breakdown of each film’s awards history or where to watch them!