Seven films are officially in the race to represent the Philippines at the 2026 Academy Awards in Los Angeles.
On August 15 (Friday), Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP) chairman Jose Javier Reyes unveiled the contenders during a press conference for Philippine Film Industry Month (PFIM).
A seven-member selection committee, composed of filmmakers and industry leaders, will decide on the country’s official Oscar bet later this month. The announcement will be made at PFIM’s gala night on September 11.
The contenders are:
- Sunshine — Antoinette Jadaone
- Hello, Love, Again — Cathy Garcia-Sampana
- Magellan — Lav Diaz
- Food Delivery — Baby Ruth Villarama
- Green Bones — Zig Dulay
- Some Nights I Feel Like Walking — Petersen Vargas
- Song of the Fireflies — King Palisoc
Notably, the Philippines’ three biggest TV networks also have their own Oscar hopefuls:
- Hello, Love, Again (ABS-CBN’s Star Cinema & GMA Pictures)
- Green Bones (GMA Pictures)
- Song of the Fireflies (TV5’s MQuest Ventures)
Reyes emphasized that the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences must confirm the Philippine committee before the official entry is submitted by October 1. The chosen film will receive ₱1 million in promotional support from FDCP and assistance from the Film Academy of the Philippines.
Globally, only 15 films will advance to the International Feature Film shortlist on December 16, 2025. The 98th Academy Awards, hosted by Conan O’Brien, will take place on March 15, 2026.