Only just over two weeks are left before the October 1 deadline for submissions to the Best International Feature Film category at the 98th Academy Awards, and the race is already heating up in ways that promise to make for an exciting competition. The best and brightest filmmakers, producers, and national committees are giving it their all to make sure that their film gets as much attention as possible, while some industry insiders are already making educated guesses about which films will receive notice from the Academy.
Currently, 48 films have been officially recorded by Deadline, but the end total is expected to come in somewhere between 80 and 90 films. The early leaders are already making headlines. Norway’s Sentimental Value is making waves with its emotional resonance and deft storytelling, while the Tunisian entry, Kaouther Ben Hania’s The Voice of Hind Rajab, brings a necessary message about the death of a six-year-old girl in Gaza, underscoring the social and political issues that are so urgently pressing for attention.
The Fierce Selection That Defines 98th Academy Awards Contenders
The Sentimental Value film has been enjoying the afterglow of its Grand Prix victory at Cannes, where it was also picked up by Neon. The director, Joachim Trier, along with actors Renate Reinsve and Inga Ibsdotter Lilleaas, brought the movie to Telluride this month, riding the wave of its success and winning the hearts of critics with a complex and touching narrative. At the same time, Ben Hania’s drama made history at Venice, receiving a 23-minute standing ovation and the Silver Lion Grand Jury Prize, making it a must-see.
The French lineup has also had some unexpected twists. Apparently, Iranian cinema master Jafar Panahi’s It Was Just An Accident, a Paris co-production, is also in the running despite Panahi’s being unable to enter it into competition in Iran for political reasons. Among the other candidates for a nomination in the French lineup are Ugo Bienvenu’s animated film Arco, produced by Natalie Portman; Richard Linklater’s French-language tribute Nouvelle Vague; Rebecca Zlotowski’s A Private Life starring Jodie Foster; and Hafsia Herzi’s Little Sister. A secret committee of film professionals will pick the French entry on September 17.
The Middle East and North Africa offers a stellar lineup of films, and The Voice of Hind Rajab, Calle Málaga from Morocco, Palestine 36 from Palestine, and Cherien Dabis’ All That’s Left of You are all generating buzz for their engaging storytelling and relevant subject matter. These films not only represent an interest in the subject matter of the region but also point to a wider concern for understanding the human experience around the globe.
Elsewhere, the fight for national selection is as intense as always. In Brazil, the competition is keen following last year’s success for Walter Salles’ I’m Still Here. Although The Secret Agent, a political thriller with Cannes prizes for Best Director and Best Actor, seemed like a done deal, Gabriel Mascaro’s The Blue Trail has turned up as a serious contender, thanks to its fervent reception at festivals and the commercial success it has registered. Marianna Brennand’s first feature Manas, recently supported by Sean Penn and experienced producers, rounds out the contenders. Other possibilities include Érico Rassi’s Same Old West and Luciano Vidigal’s White House, Brazil’s choice of which is due any moment now.
From ‘No Other Choice’ to ‘Viking Shores’: International Films Making Their Mark
Another film gaining traction is Park Chan-wook’s No Other Choice. Park has already wowed audiences with his stylistic daring, unleashing the radical drama at the Venice festival. Its North American premiere at the TIFF as a Gala Presentation served to further boost the awards buzz surrounding the film. Park and the film’s leading star, Lee Byung-hun, took part in lively discussions while at the festival, giving a glimpse into the off-screen world of characters going against the grain and shattering conventions. Left-Handed Girl, a first feature co-written and produced by Shih-Ching Tsou and Oscar-winning collaborator Sean Baker, is also picking up steam with Netflix-backed distribution and festival response.
Other nations close to submitting their entries include Denmark, with films such as Jeanette Nordahl’s Beginnings, Anders Thomas Jensen’s The Last Viking, and David Borenstein’s Mr. Nobody Against Putin, and Spain, with films such as Eva Libertad’s Deal, Carla Simón’s Romeria, and Oliver Laxe’s Sirāt. Italy has shortlisted 24 possible nominees, including Gianfranco Rosi’s Below the Clouds, which won the Venice Special Jury Prize, Pietro Marcello’s Duse, and Leonardo Di Costanzo’s Elisa.
Israel will make its cut known at the Ophir Awards on September 16. In the running are films such as Shai Carmeli Pollak’s The Sea, a tale of a Palestinian boy who travels through checkpoints just to catch a glimpse of the sea for the first time, being among the leaders. Others include Nadav Lapid’s Yes! and Natali Braun’s Oxygen. The shortlist announcement will take place on December 16, and the nominations on January 22, 2026. The 98th Academy Awards ceremony is scheduled for March 15, 2026, and promises an international platform for the most engaging global productions of this year.
