Oscars opens second door for Filipino films outside official PH entry

Oscars rule change opens surprise pathway for Filipino entries beyond FAP selection.

Filipino filmmakers may now have a stronger pathway to the Academy Awards after new rules were introduced for the International Feature Film category, allowing films to qualify beyond the traditional country submission process.

Previously, the Philippines could only submit one official entry each year through a selection process led by the Film Academy of the Philippines (FAP), the body authorized by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS). But under the updated guidelines, non-English language films can now also enter the race by winning top prizes at select major international film festivals.

For the 99th Oscars, qualifying festivals include the Cannes Film Festival (Palme d’Or), Berlin International Film Festival (Golden Bear), Venice International Film Festival (Golden Lion), Sundance Film Festival, Toronto International Film Festival, and Busan International Film Festival.

This means that a Filipino film that wins in any of these festivals could automatically qualify for Oscar consideration—even if it is not chosen as the country’s official entry.

Traditionally, the FAP convenes a seven-member selection committee composed of film industry experts to determine the country’s official “bet.” For the most recent cycle, the process was led by FAP Director General Paolo Villaluna, with support from the Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP), chaired by Jose Javier Reyes, which helps fund and promote the chosen film’s international campaign.

The selection process typically involves a shortlist of eligible films, followed by a two-round voting system conducted through anonymous ballots. Entries are evaluated based on narrative strength, artistic merit, cultural representation, international appeal, and the producer’s capacity to mount a global campaign. The final entry is usually announced around August or September, often in time for Philippine Film Industry Month.

Recent Philippine submissions include “Magellan” by Lav Diaz for the 2026 Oscars, “And So It Begins” by Ramona S. Diaz for 2025, and “Iti Mapukpukaw (The Missing)” by Carl Joseph Papa for 2024.

With the new rule in place, industry observers say the Philippines could benefit from having multiple potential entries in a single year—one through the traditional FAP submission, and another through festival recognition.

The Academy is also changing how the award is credited. Instead of the country being named as the nominee, the film itself will now be recognized, with the Oscar accepted by the director on behalf of the creative team.

For Philippine cinema, the update could be a game changer—offering filmmakers another route to global recognition and increasing the country’s chances of landing a spot on the Oscars stage.