Oscar Dreams from Asia: The 2026 Submissions for Best International Feature

Toufiq Jayad November 2, 2025

The Academy Awards, widely known as the Oscars, are among the most prestigious events in the global film industry. Every year, countries from around the world submit their finest films for consideration, especially in the Best International Feature Film category, which honors outstanding non-English language cinema.

For the 98th Academy Awards, scheduled to take place in March 2026, several Asian countries have already submitted their entries. The submission process is still ongoing, and the official list of nominees will be announced in early 2026.

From Bangladesh, the film A House Named Shahana (Barir Naam Shahana) directed by Leesa Gazi has been submitted. Cambodia has chosen Tenement, directed by Inrasothythep Neth and Sokyou Chea, while China has entered Dead to Rights, produced by Niu Vision Media and Echelon Studios. Representing Hong Kong is The Last Dance, directed by Soi Cheang, and India has submitted Homebound, directed by Rahul Chittella.

From Indonesia, the submission is Sore: Wife From The Future (Sore: Istri dari Masa Depan), while Japan has entered Kokuho, directed by Lee Sang-il. Kyrgyzstan has chosen Heaven is Beneath Mother's Feet, directed by Ruslan Akun, and Malaysia is represented by Abang Adik, directed by Jin Ong.

The film Shambhala, directed by Min Bahadur Bham, is the official submission from Nepal, while Pakistan has selected The Glassworker, directed by Usman Riaz. From the Philippines, Magellan, directed by Lav Diaz, has been submitted, and Singapore has entered La Luna, directed by M. Raihan Halim.

South Korea has chosen No Other Choice, directed by Park Chan-wook, while Taiwan has submitted Left-Handed Girl, directed by Tsou Shih-ching. Thailand is represented by A Useful Ghost (Pee Chai Dai Ka), directed by Ratchapoom Boonbunchachoke, and finally, Vietnam has sent Red Rain (Mưa đỏ).

These submissions highlight the diversity and creative power of Asian cinema. Each film showcases unique storytelling styles and cultural perspectives, reflecting the growing influence of Asian filmmakers on the international stage. As the world awaits the 2026 Oscar nominations, these works stand as proud representations of their countries’ artistic achievements.