Diverse slate of international Oscar entries unveiled, featuring Italy, France and Spain

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has confirmed a broad mix of entries for this year’s International Feature Film category, adding Italy, France, Spain, Poland, Indonesia and a handful of additional nations to the roster, Variety reported. Filmmakers from each country have been racing to meet the Oct. 1 deadline for official submission, a date that marks the final cut‑off for eligibility.

Once the deadline passes, the Academy will narrow the field to fifteen titles that will appear on the official shortlist on Dec. 15. Those fifteen films will then be screened for Academy members across all branches, each of whom must pledge to watch every shortlisted entry before casting a vote, according to Variety’s coverage.

The announced list reflects a blend of seasoned auteurs and emerging voices. While the specific titles have not been disclosed in the source, the inclusion of both Western European powerhouses and Southeast Asian entrants underscores the growing geographic diversity of the competition. Countries such as Italy and France continue their strong tradition of Oscar‑season campaigning, while nations like Indonesia are gaining greater visibility on the global stage.

The International Feature Film category, introduced in 1956 as the Best Foreign Language Film, has evolved into a key platform for non‑U.S. cinema to reach wider audiences. Historically, a shortlist of fifteen films has been used to give Academy members a manageable set to evaluate, a practice intended to ensure that each work receives thoughtful consideration. Success in this category can boost a film’s distribution prospects, attract additional festival invitations, and elevate the profiles of the directors and actors involved.

Looking ahead, Academy members who commit to the viewing requirement will submit their ballots in early January, leading to the announcement of the final nominees later that month. The winners will be revealed at the Oscars ceremony, where the International Feature Film award often serves as a barometer for the global health of the industry and a spotlight for stories that might otherwise remain regional.