Predictions for 2026 International Feature Film Oscar Shortlist

The race for the 2026 International Feature Film Oscar is heating up. The shortlist of 15 films is expected to be announced on December 16, with entries from 86 countries competing for a chance at the prestigious nomination. This year, the competition features both established front-runners and exciting newcomers with titles that possess crossover potential. Here’s a preview of some standout candidates anticipated to make the initial cut.

2026 International Feature Film Oscar Contenders

• 2000 Meters to Andriivka (Ukraine)
• Familia (Italy)
• Homebound (India)
• It Was Just an Accident (France)
• Kokuho (Japan)
• The Last Dance (Hong Kong)
• Left-Handed Girl (Taiwan)
• The Love That Remains (Iceland)
• My Father’s Shadow (UK)
• No Other Choice (Korea)
• Palestine 36 (Palestine)
• A Poet (Colombia)
• The President’s Cake (Iraq)
• The Secret Agent (Brazil)
• Sentimental Value (Norway)
• Sirât (Spain)
• Sound of Falling (Germany)
• The Tale of Silyan (North Macedonia)
• The Voice of Hind Rajab (Tunisia)

Highlighted Films and Their Stories

• 2000 Meters to Andriivka: Directed by Mstyslav Chernov, this documentary follows the efforts of Ukrainian soldiers to reclaim a village from Russian forces.
• Familia: Francesco Costabile adapts a memoir into a biographical drama about a youth entangled in far-right extremism and family violence.
• Homebound: Directed by Neeraj Ghaywan, this film narrates the struggles of two friends preparing for the national police exam amid personal crisis.
• It Was Just an Accident: Jafar Panahi explores themes of violence and identity in this darkly humorous drama set in the Iranian landscape.
• Left-Handed Girl: Directed by Shih-Ching Tsou, this film deals with superstition and family dynamics as a single mother moves her family to Taipei.
• The Voice of Hind Rajab: A poignant work by Kaouther Ben Hania that recounts the harrowing moments surrounding the death of a young girl amid Gaza’s turmoil.

Special Mentions

• Arcadia (Greece)
• Franz (Poland)
• Magellan (Philippines)
• The Mysterious Gaze of the Flamingo (Chile)
• The Sea (Israel)
• Silent City Driver (Mongolia)

The competition this year promises a diverse array of stories that tackle both personal and societal issues. As the announcement date approaches, film enthusiasts and industry insiders alike are eager to see which films will secure their place in the Oscar race. El-Balad will keep you updated with the latest developments in this exciting run-up to the Oscars.