Vietnamese film "Red Rain" is eligible to compete for Best International Film at the 2026 Oscars

On November 21, 2025, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS) announced the list of films in the categories of Documentary, Animated and International Feature Films that fully met the criteria to participate in the voting round for Best Picture at the 98th Academy Awards.

Previously, implementing Decision No. 3479/QD-BVHTTDL dated September 30, 2025, the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism , based on the results of the Film Selection Council representing Vietnam to attend the 98th Oscar Awards, selected the feature film "Red Rain", produced by the People's Army Cinema in 2025 to compete in the international feature film category.

Vietnam's Oscar application process is carried out seriously, completely and accurately, meeting many regulations of AMPAS to be accepted into the official list. Vietnam's film submissions are prepared according to a strict process. The Vietnam Film Selection Council first reviews films that are eligible for domestic release, evaluates their artistic, cultural values ​​and ability to represent the country. The selection process is transparent, based on criteria compatible with the Academy's evaluation system. Along with that is the process of completing all documents required by AMPAS including: official registration, legal documents related to film ownership, translation of dialogue - English subtitles, work introduction documents, film photos and full information. Each type of document is carefully checked to ensure the correct format and international standards, especially the requirements for artwork content, posters and communication materials.

Vietnamese film "Red Rain" is eligible to compete for Best International Film at the 2026 Oscars

The official film version of "Red Rain" is exported according to AMPAS technical standards and uploaded to the Academy Screening Room system for viewing, judging and voting by Academy members. Throughout this process, the Film Department must regularly communicate with AMPAS' international division to confirm the status of the application, adjust technical details when necessary and ensure the work meets all eligibility requirements.

As a result, the Vietnamese feature film "Red Rain" is on the list of 86 feature films eligible to compete for the Best International Feature Film award at the 2026 Oscars.

The Southeast Asian region has a very clear presence with four works from Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines and Singapore, including: "Sore: A Wife from the Future" (Indonesia); "Pavane for an Infant" (Malaysia); "Magellan" (Philippines); "Stranger Eyes" (Singapore). Meanwhile, the representative of Thailand was not selected this year.

The fact that Vietnam's "Red Rain" is included in the list of 86 international feature films not only shows the increasingly clear stature of Vietnamese cinema, but also continues to affirm the position of Southeast Asia in the Oscar arena. Entering the fierce competition round, the film "Red Rain" will continue its journey in the voting round to select the Top 15 best films (shortlist) - an important screening round that reflects the direct assessment of Academy members.

Entering the fierce competition round, the movie "Red Rain" will continue its journey in the voting round to select the Top 15 best movies.

The preliminary voting took place from December 8 to 12, 2025. The announcement of the shortlist took place on December 16, 2025. The official nomination announcement (expected) will take place on January 22, 2026. The 98th Academy Awards (expected) will take place on March 15, 2026, at the Dolby Theatre, broadcast live on ABC.

The presence of "Red Rain" in the list of 86 international feature films this year is the result of Vietnam's professional, methodical and serious preparation when participating in the largest film playground on the planet. This is not only a good sign for the film, but also shows the maturity of Vietnamese cinema in the process of integration, promoting the image and artistic voice of the country in the international arena.

Source: https://bvhttdl.gov.vn/phim-mua-do-cua-viet-nam-du-dieu-kien-tranh-giai-phim-quoc-te-hay-nhat-tai-oscar-2026-20251122155641749.htm