QUEZON CITY, PHILIPPINES – With only days remaining before the submission deadline, the Film Academy of the Philippines is reminding Filipino filmmakers and producers to submit their eligible films for consideration as the country’s official entry to the 99th Academy Awards in the Best International Feature Film category.
Applications for the Philippine Oscar Selection Process will be accepted until July 31, 2026.
“We encourage Filipino filmmakers and producers with eligible works to take part in this year’s selection process,” said Film Academy Director-General Paolo Villaluna. “Every submission is an opportunity to showcase the creativity, diversity, and excellence of Philippine cinema. We look forward to selecting a film that will proudly represent the Philippines on one of the world’s most prestigious stages for filmmaking.”
To qualify for consideration, films must satisfy the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS) eligibility requirements for the Best International Feature Film category, including:
- Be feature-length (more than 40 minutes);
- Have predominantly (more than 50%) non-English dialogue, with accurate English subtitles;
- Complete a minimum seven-day consecutive theatrical exhibition with paid admission in one commercial motion picture theater in the Philippines or any theatrical screenings outside the U.S. between October 1, 2025 and September 30, 2026;
- Be exhibited in 35mm, 70mm, or DCP-compliant Digital Cinema format;
- Be under the primary creative control of Filipino citizens or Philippine residents, with the submitting country certifying such creative control;
- Not have received a public non-theatrical release (including television, streaming, video-on-demand, DVD, or internet release) prior to the qualifying theatrical run; and
- Provide complete and accurate submission information, as undisclosed or inaccurate details may result in disqualification.
Films that have not yet completed their qualifying theatrical exhibition by the July 31, 2026 submission deadline may still apply, provided they submit proof of a confirmed theatre booking guaranteeing the required exhibition within the Academy’s eligibility period.
Producers are required to submit the following:
- Letter of intent to join the Philippine Oscar Selection Process;
- Application and Consent Forms (from Film Academy of the Philippines);
- A notarized Creative Control Affidavit; and
- Screener and Press materials
Following the submission period, all eligible entries will be evaluated by the National Selection Committee, which will be convened by the Film Academy of the Philippines in accordance with Academy rules. The committee will consist of at least seven members, with more than half composed of filmmakers, artists, and motion picture craftspeople.
The country’s official submission will be determined through a transparent selection process that includes:
- Verification of eligibility and submission requirements;
- Screening of all eligible films by the National Selection Committee;
- Evaluation based on artistic merit, cultural relevance, and international campaign potential; and
- A two-round voting process to determine the Philippines’ official entry to the 99th Academy Awards.
“The Philippine Oscar Selection Process is more than selecting a film; it is an opportunity to recognize the remarkable achievements of Filipino filmmakers and present the very best of Philippine cinema to the world,” Villaluna added.
Submission guidelines and application forms are available through the Film Academy of the Philippines at bit.ly/PinoyOscarsGuidelines. Entries and inquiries may be sent to filmawards@filmacademy.gov.ph.
The Philippines’ most recent official submission to the Academy Awards was Magellan (2025), directed by Lav Diaz. Further, the Film Academy also supported the Oscars bid of Food Delivery (2025) for Best Documentary and Vox Humana (2024) for Best Live Action Short Film.
Through the annual selection process, the Film Academy continues to champion Filipino films and filmmakers on the international stage.