Four Arab films entered the competition for the Best International Feature Film award on Tuesday, which is awarded annually by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences to a film produced outside the United States.
The films “Voice of Hind Rajab” by Tunisian director Kaouther Ben Hania, “What Remains of You” by American-Jordanian director of Palestinian origin Shirin Dabis, “Palestine 36” by Palestinian director Annemarie Jacir, and “The President’s Cake” by Iraqi director Hassan Hadi were selected for a preliminary list of 15 films from Europe, Asia, and South America, out of 86 films that met the competition criteria for the 98th edition of the awards.
This is the third time in five years that a film directed by Kaouther Ben Hania has entered the competition for the world’s most prestigious film award, following the films “The Man Who Sold His Skin” and “The Daughters of Olfa.”
The Tunisian director wrote on her Facebook page in English, “Joy, pride, and immense gratitude to every person who believed in the film and contributed to conveying this voice. What a wonderful moment, and what a journey awaits us!”
The Academy also announced lists of competing works in the categories of Animated Short Film, Documentary Short Subject, Documentary Feature, Best Original Score, Best Sound, Best Visual Effects, Best Cinematography, and Best Makeup and Hairstyling.
The shortlist of films competing for the awards is expected to be announced on January 22 next year, with the Oscar ceremony for the announcement and distribution of awards scheduled for Sunday, March 15, 2026, in Los Angeles.
United States
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South America
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