2026 Oscars Best International Feature Predictions

Variety Awards Circuit part is the house for all awards news and associated content throughout the yr, that includes the following: the official predictions for the upcoming Oscars, Emmys, Grammys and Tony Awards ceremonies, curated by Variety chief awards editor Clayton Davis. The prediction pages replicate the current standings in the race and don’t replicate private preferences for any particular person contender. As other formal (and casual) polls counsel, competitions are fluid and topic to alter based on buzz and occasions. Predictions are up to date every Thursday.

Oscars Best International Feature Commentary (Updated Nov. 6, 2025): The Oscars race for worldwide feature seems to be returning with 86 movies competing to convey the statuette house for his or her respective homeland.

While the Academy has yet to release its official listing of eligible titles, the submitted movies have already been strategically assigned into seven voter teams, each containing 12 to 13 movies. The groupings are curated to make sure range in area, style and working time. Voters must watch all movies of their assigned group to ensure that their poll to depend. First-round voting will happen Dec. 9-12, with a 15-film shortlist scheduled to be announced Dec. 16.

This yr’s contenders embody buzzy competition breakouts from Cannes, high-profile auteur tasks and debut options from rising cinema markets. Norway’s “Sentimental Value,” co-written and directed by Joachim Trier, is among the most talked-about titles. Many pundits think about it a probable crossover contender for best image, which by default, makes it the frontrunner for the prize.

Also drawing consideration is the Palme d’Or winner “It Was Just an Accident,” France’s official entry, directed by the legendary Jafar Panahi. The politically charged drama has generated love across the worldwide, and American competition circuit. South Korea’s “No Other Choice,” from Park Chan-wook, has constructed momentum following viewers awards at Toronto and most just lately, SCAD Savannah Film Festival. Park’s earlier movie, “Decision to Leave,” was a important darling however did not land a nom in 2022, leaving many people feeling he’s owed one.

Brazil, last yr’s Oscar winner in the class with “I’m Still Here,” returns with another daring entry — Kleber Mendonça Filho’s “The Secret Agent,” a political thriller anchored by a widely praised lead flip from Wagner Moura, who may very well be among the best actor frontrunners.

Hungary also reenters the dialog with “Orphan,” a historic drama by László Nemes, who received the Oscar in 2016 for “Son of Saul.” Spain’s “Sirāt,” directed by Oliver Laxe and just lately nominated for a Gotham Award, is another potential standout, together with Ukraine’s “2000 Meters to Andriivka” by Oscar-winning journalist-turned-director Mstyslav Chernov.

Tunisia’s “The Voice of Hind Rajab,” directed by Kaouther Ben Hania, continues the auteur’s strong Oscar observe document. Ben Hania beforehand earned nods for each “The Man Who Sold His Skin” and “Four Daughters.” That movie is among the many top-tier contenders from the Middle East including Hasan Hadi’s “The President’s Cake” from Iraq and Cherien Dabis’ “All That’s Left of You” from Jordan.

Other noteworthy contenders embody Palestine’s very personal “Palestine 36” by Annemarie Jacir, which was picked up by Watermelon Pictures, and is about during the Arab Revolt of 1936 — a interval Jacir describes as “a major turning point in our history.”

Taiwan’s “Left-Handed Girl,” directed by Shih-Ching Tsou and co-written by four-time Oscar winner Sean Baker (“Anora”) has the backing of streaming big Netflix, which can hold it top of thoughts when filling out ballots.

France stays the all-time chief in nominations, with 42 nods and 12 wins from 72 submissions since 1948, however hasn’t taken house the statue since 1992’s “Indochine.” Italy, however, still holds the most wins with 14, from 33 nominations. This yr Francesco Costabile’s darkish melodrama “Familia” has been designated as Italy’s candidate, which launched from the 2024 from the Venice Film Festival.

As of 2025, 135 nations have submitted no less than one movie to the class, with 64 incomes nominations and 30 profitable no less than as soon as.

After the shortlist is announced, any Academy member could vote to find out the final 5 nominees — who opts-in — and offered they’ve seen all 15 shortlisted movies.

NOTE: All titles, release dates, and eligibilities are topic to alter. The listing will not be full, and never all movies have yet been certified for Oscar consideration.