Want your film to qualify for the Oscars? Here’s what you need to know

Filipino filmmakers eyeing an Oscar nomination, take note! The Film Academy of the Philippines (FAP) has officially kicked off its local selection process for the 2026 Academy Awards, specifically for the highly coveted Best International Feature Film category. This proactive move aims to give local productions a significant head start in their journey to Hollywood.

Led by FAP Director-General Paolo Villaluna, the Academy's decision to begin the selection process earlier this year is a strategic one. The goal is to provide Filipino filmmakers with a crucial head start for campaigning their projects, especially with the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS) set to announce its shortlisted films on December 15. An earlier selection also offers a vital window for securing adequate government financial support, a key factor in a successful international campaign.

For any film to be considered for this prestigious award, it must meet specific, stringent criteria set by the Academy. Filmmakers aiming for the 98th Academy Awards in 2026, scheduled for March 16, should pay close attention to these essential guidelines.

Firstly, the film must have completed a qualifying local premiere, running for seven consecutive days at a public commercial theater between October 1, 2024, and September 30, 2025. This premiere must adhere to specific technical formats: either 35mm or 70mm film, or a 24 or 48-frame progressive scan Digital Cinema format with a minimum projector resolution of 2,048 x 1,080. It's worth noting that while a US release isn't required, the film's theatrical premiere must have been advertised in a way considered customary for film exhibitions.

Furthermore, films that premiered on other platforms, such as streaming services, before their theatrical release are ineligible. A core requirement is that over 50% of the film's original dialogue must be in a language or languages other than English, with accurate English subtitles provided. The submitting country must also confirm that regular citizens, residents, or individuals with refugee or asylum status held creative control over the production. Submitting undisclosed or inaccurate information will lead to disqualification, with the International Feature Film Executive Committee handling all eligibility queries.

The monumental task of selecting the Philippines’ official Oscar entry rests with a seven-member committee of esteemed industry experts. These individuals are carefully chosen based on rigorous criteria, including their professional expertise, commitment to diversity and representation, unwavering independence and impartiality, thorough knowledge of AMPAS rules, transparency in their process, and a deep commitment to evaluation.

Filmmakers keen on submitting their work can send their applications to Kristine Kintana of FAP at oscarselection.filmacademy@gmail.com. Looking back, the Philippines proudly submitted Carl Joseph Papa’s *Iti Mapukpukaw* as its official entry for the 2024 Oscars, followed by Ramona Diaz’s *And So It Begins* for the 2025 awards. With the 98th Academy Awards slated for March 16, 2026, the stage is set for another remarkable Filipino film to potentially make its mark.