Arab cinema shines as four regional films make the 2026 Oscars international shortlist

The 2026 Academy Awards are shaping up to be a breakthrough year for Arab cinema, with four films from the region securing spots on the highly competitive Best International Feature Film shortlist. The selection highlights the growing global recognition of Arab storytelling, spanning powerful personal dramas, historical narratives, and award-winning debuts.

Leading Iraq’s entry is Hasan Hadi’s The President’s Cake, a compelling drama that has already gained strong momentum on the international festival circuit. Tunisia is represented by Kaouther Ben Hania’s The Voice of Hind Rajab, a deeply moving film set in Gaza that has resonated with audiences for its raw, human perspective.

From Palestine comes Annemarie Jacir’s Palestine 36, a sweeping historical epic set during the Arab revolt of the 1930s, bringing a pivotal moment in regional history to the global screen. Completing the Arab lineup is Jordanian filmmaker Cherien Dabis with All That’s Left of You, an intergenerational family saga tracing Palestinian life from 1948 through the late 1980s.

The Arab contenders face strong international competition, with shortlisted films also coming from India, Japan, Switzerland, and Taiwan. Several non-Arab entries carry regional connections as well. Spain’s Sirat, filmed in Morocco, stars Algerian-Turkish actress Jade Oukid, while France’s submission, It Was Just an Accident, is an Iranian production by acclaimed director Jafar Panahi, who reportedly completed the film in secrecy and was later sentenced in absentia to one year in prison.

In total, 86 countries and territories submitted films for the Best International Feature Film category this year. Under Academy rules, eligible films must be produced outside the United States and feature predominantly non-English dialogue. Preliminary voting involved members from all Academy branches, with the final Oscar nominations set to be announced in January 2026.

With four films shortlisted, the 2026 Oscars mark a significant milestone for Arab cinema, underscoring its rising influence and expanding presence on the world’s most prestigious film stage.