The 2027 Oscar season is in full swing, with countries around the world submitting their entries for the Best International Feature Film category. This year’s competition is shaping up to be one of the most exciting yet, thanks to new rules and a diverse range of films vying for the prestigious award.
The race began in earnest as countries started selecting their submissions, with a September 30 deadline for entries. The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences will reveal a shortlist of 15 films on December 15 followed by the announcement of the final five nominees on January 21. The 99th Oscars ceremony is set for March 14, 2027.
The New Rules of the Game
This year, the International Feature Film category has seen significant changes. In addition to the traditional method of countries submitting their official selections, films can now qualify by winning a top award at one of six prestigious festivals: Cannes (Palme d’Or), Berlin (Golden Bear), Busan (Best Film), Sundance (World Cinema Grand Jury Prize), Toronto (Platform Award), and Venice (Golden Lion).
These qualifying films will be credited as the nominees, with the director’s name listed on the statuette plaque. This new rule has already impacted this year’s submissions, with films like Yellow Letters from German-Türkiye director Ilker Lapali and Fjord from Romanian director Christian Mingiu eligible through their festival wins.
Notable Submissions So Far
Several countries have already submitted their entries, showcasing a diverse range of cinematic talent. Here are some of the notable submissions:
Austria: ‘Rose’
Rose directed by Markus Schleinzer, is a black-and-white period drama that premiered at the 2026 Berlin Film Festival. The film stars Sandra Hüller, who won the Silver Bear for her leading performance. Set in 17th-century Germany, the story follows a mysterious soldier who gains acceptance in a secluded village amidst the turmoil of the Thirty Years’ War. Hüller was previously Oscar-nominated for Anatomy of a Fall.
Colombia: ‘Rains Over Babel’
Gala del Sol’s debut feature Rains Over Babel reimagines Dante’s Inferno with a queer twist, set in a mythical, surrealist city inspired by Cali, Colombia. The film premiered in the Next section of the 2026 sundance film Festival and centers on a dive bar that acts as a purgatory for lost souls. Del Sol was previously a finalist for the Student Academy Awards.
Czech Republic: ‘If Pigeons Turned To Gold’
Pepa Ljubojacki’s documentary If Pigeons Turned to Gold follows his brother and two cousins as their addictions begin to destroy their relationships and homes. Shot over five years, the film premiered in the Forum section at the 2026 Berlin Film Festival. The Czech Film and Television Academy praised the film for its DIY aesthetics and emotional depth.
Dominican Republic: ‘Melodrama’
Andrés Farías’ drama Melodrama stars Mercedes Morales and Jimmy Jean-Louis and centers on a widow who falls for a Haitian construction worker and poet. The film explores the tensions between the Dominican and Haitian communities in the Dominican Republic. It premiered at the Miami Film Festival and was selected by the Dominican Republic Academy of Cinematographic Arts and Sciences.
Kosovo: ‘Dua’
Blerta Basholli’s period drama Dua is set in late 1990s Pristina and follows a 13-year-old girl struggling to fit into the expectations of womanhood amid societal changes. The film is a poignant exploration of identity and resilience in a post-conflict society.
The 2027 oscar race for Best International Feature Film is shaping up to be a thrilling competition, with a diverse range of films vying for the prestigious award. As more countries submit their entries, the excitement continues to build for one of the most anticipated events in the film industry.
