Best International Feature Film Oscar contenders announced

Outspoken filmmakers stand out in close competition

by Jennie Kermode

The Voice Of Hind Rajab
The Voice Of Hind Rajab Photo: Courtesy of San Sebastian Film Festival

There's a distinctly political flavour to the 2026 Academy Awards Best International Feature shortlist, which was revealed today. Two of the films deal with Palestine, one with women's rights in Argentina, and the director of another, Jafar Panahi, has been convicted of creating 'propaganda against the system' in his home country of Iran.

Five of the films on this list will go onto the nominations stage, to be announced on 22 January, with the final winner being announced at the Oscar ceremony in Los Angeles on 15 March.

This year's longlist:

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Movies out this week include:

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