‘Magellan’ gets 98th Oscars nomination nod

The shortlist for international feature films is to be announced on December 16, 2025.

Lav Diaz’s “Magellan” has qualified for consideration in the International Feature Film category of the 98th Academy Awards.

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences released its list of qualified titles for Animated Feature Film, Documentary Feature Film, and International Feature Film today (Nov. 22, Manila time). The report was first published by U.S.-based entertainment outlet Deadline.

“It’s all hard work, this ‘Magellan,’” Diaz said of the film that took him seven years to finish and stars Mexican actor Gael Garcia Bernal. Diaz said he kept returning to Europe for the film.  “I want this story to spark discourse.”

“Magellan” follows the story of a Portuguese navigator who rebels against the power of the Portuguese king and convinces the Spanish crown to support his expedition to the East. After an exhausting voyage, he arrives in the Malay Archipelago obsessed with conquest.

This year, 35 titles qualified for Animated Feature Film, while 201 features are eligible for Documentary Feature Film. Meanwhile, the Philippines, with “Magellan” as its entry, is one of 86 countries and regions that have submitted films eligible for International Feature Film consideration, Deadline reported.

Predominantly non-English

The Academy defines an international feature as a motion picture running more than 40 minutes, produced outside the United States, and featuring a predominantly non-English dialogue track.

Academy members from all branches may opt in to join the preliminary voting round, provided they meet minimum viewing requirements. The 15-title shortlist for International Feature Film will also be released on December 16.

Preliminary voting for selectcategories will run from December 8 to 12. Nominations for the 98th Academy Awards will be announced on January 22, 2026.

The 98th Oscars will be held on March 15, 2026, at the Dolby Theater at Ovation Hollywood and broadcast live on ABC in more than 200 territories worldwide.

 

 

“It’s all hard work, this ‘Magellan,’” Diaz said of the film that took him seven years to finish, “I want this story to spark discourse.”

 

 

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