Oscar 2026, Familia out of the shortlist for Best International Film

ROMA – The shortlist per la 98th edition of the Oscars were announced yesterday by Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciencesand among the provisional lists of titles in the running for the Best International Film the Italian film does not appear Family Of Francesco Costabile. The feature film, chosen this year by Italy as the official candidate in the category, therefore remains outside the 15 titles that aspire to a final nomination.

The international shortlist, which anticipates the final five nominations which will be revealed on January 22, 2026includes works from all over the world selected from over 80 competing countries. Featured titles include films from Argentina, Brazil, France, Germany, India and South Korea, highlighting the strong global competition in the Oscar race for “non-English” films.

Familyfrom the Lido to the Oscar race

Familybased on the autobiography of Luigi Celestewas chosen in September by ANICA as a representative film of Italy for the International Feature Film Award category, after a shortlist of 24 Italian titles considered. The film was presented at the 81st Venice Film Festival in the Orizzonti section, and received critical acclaim and recognition for the performances, including that of Francesco Gheghi.

Despite the excellent response from critics and festivals, Family failed to pass the Academy’s initial selection, which favored other international feature films in terms of visibility and global reception. Holders of notable attention among the 15 selected are, for example, films such as Homebound (India), Cry (Spain), A simple accident (France) and others from Europe and Asia.

A joy for Italy: Playing God in the animated shortlist

However, the day of announcements also brings a reason for satisfaction for Italian cinema: Playing Godanimated short film by Mattia Buranihas in fact entered the shortlist for Best Animated Short. In that category the competition is particularly fierce, with over one hundred works from all over the world, and the recognition nevertheless represents an important sign of attention towards new Italian animation talents.

The road to the nominations

The shortlist is a first step on the path that will lead to the 2026 Oscar Night, scheduled for March 15, 2026 to Los Angeleshosted by Conan O’Brien. Official nominations, including Best International Film and other categories, will be announced on January 22, 2026after the votes of the Academy members.

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