The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS) has announced the official shortlists in 12 categories for the 98th Academy Awards. Unfortunately, none of the Philippines’ submissions advanced to the next round.
Lav Diaz’s historical epic “Magellan” failed to make the shortlist for Best International Feature Film, where 86 films from various countries and regions were eligible this year.
Set in the 16th century, Magellan follows Portuguese navigator Ferdinand Magellan, who defies his king after his ambitions to explore the world are rejected. Turning to the Spanish Crown, he secures support for a daring voyage to the East.
The 15 titles that advanced are as listed alphabetically by country: Belén (Argentina), The Secret Agent (Brazil), It Was Just an Accident (France), Sound of Falling (Germany), Homebound (India), The President’s Cake (Iraq), Kokuho (Toho) (Japan), All That’s Left of You (Jordan), Sentimental Value (Norway), Palestine 36 (Palestine), No Other Choice (South Korea), Sirât (Spain), Late Shift (Switzerland), Left-Handed Girl (Taiwan), and The Voice of Hind Rajab (Tunisia).
Two other Philippine entries were also eliminated. Baby Ruth Villarama’s “Food Delivery” failed to enter the shortlist for Best Documentary Feature Film, while Don Eblahan’s “Vox Humana” missed out in the Best Live Action Short Film category.
Food Delivery is a documentary under Voyage Studios that covers the struggles of Filipino fisherfolk, the navy, and coast guard personnel in the contested waters of the West Philippine Sea amid Chinese obstruction.
On the other hand, local short film Vox Humana explores humanity’s bond with nature, inspired by 28-year-old filmmaker Eblahan’s upbringing in the Cordilleras and its vulnerability to natural disasters. It premiered at the 2024 Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) and was also screened at the 2025 Sundance Film Festival.
A total of 201 films were eligible for Best Documentary Feature Film, with the following 15 shortlisted titles as follows (alphabetically by title): The Alabama Solution, Apocalypse in the Tropics, Coexistence, My Ass!, Come See Me in the Good Light, Cover-Up, Cutting through Rocks, Folktales, Holding Liat, Mr. Nobody Against Putin, Mistress Dispeller, My Undesirable Friends: Part 1 – Last Air in Moscow, The Perfect Neighbor, Seeds, 2000 Meters to Andriivka, and Yanuni.
Meanwhile, 207 films qualified for consideration in Best Live Action Short Film. The 15 shortlisted titles are: Ado, Amarela, Beyond Silence, The Boy with White Skin, Butcher’s Stain, Butterfly on a Wheel, Dad’s Not Home, Extremist, A Friend of Dorothy, Jane Austen’s Period Drama, Pantyhose, The Pearl Comb, Rock, Paper, Scissors, The Singers, and Two People Exchanging Saliva.
In reaction to the results, Filipino director Joey Reyes admitted to disappointment but also expressed hope and determination that Filipino films will eventually gain recognition from the prestigious awards body.
“OK. I’m heartbroken now. We may have fallen short of making the list, but that does not mean we cannot do it. Let this be a challenge rather than a judgment. We will deserve it. We are Filipinos,” Reyes wrote on Facebook on Wednesday, Dec. 17.
Among the most recognized films on the shortlists were “Sinners” and “Wicked: For Good,” each earning multiple citations.
Sinners was shortlisted in casting, cinematography, makeup and hairstyling, sound, visual effects, and original song for “I Lied To You” and “Last Time I Seen The Sun.”
Wicked: For Good landed spots in casting, cinematography, makeup and hairstyling, original score, sound, visual effects, and original song for “The Girl in the Bubble” and “No Place Like Home.”
The original song “Golden” from the global hit Netflix animated film “KPop Demon Hunters!” also made the shortlist, while another film from the streaming platform, “Frankenstein”, earned six citations across casting, cinematography, makeup and hairstyling, original score, sound, and visual effects.
Other films that performed strongly in select categories include Marty Supreme, One Battle After Another, Sentimental Value, Sirât, and “Avatar: Fire and Ash,” which is currently showing in local cinemas. The latter was shortlisted for original score, original song (“Dream As One”), sound, and visual effects.
The 98th Academy Awards will present honors in 24 categories, with five nominees each, except for Best Picture, which will have 10.
The Oscars will take place on March 15, 2026, at the Dolby Theatre at Ovation Hollywood and will be broadcast live on ABC channel in more than 200 countries worldwide. Comedian Conan O’Brien is set to return as host.
