The Film Academy of the Philippines (FAP) has officially opened submissions for its Pinoy Oscars Pursuit grants program and announced a nationwide call for entries for the country’s official nominee for Best International Feature Film at the 99th Academy Awards.
The initiative aims to strengthen the global presence of Filipino films by providing government support to local productions seeking recognition at the Academy Awards, popularly known as the Oscars, as well as other prestigious international award-giving bodies.
Through the Pinoy Oscars Pursuit program, eligible Filipino filmmakers can receive assistance for campaigns targeting Oscars nominations in categories such as Best International Feature Film, Documentary Feature, Documentary Short, Live Action Short Film, Animated Short Film, and Original Song. The program also extends support to films competing for major international honors, including the Golden Globe Awards and Independent Spirit Awards.
According to Film Academy of the Philippines Director-General Paolo Villaluna, investing in Filipino films competing on the world stage is an investment in the country’s creative industry.
“A win for the Philippines is a win for the industry as a whole,” Villaluna said.
He emphasized that international recognition brings significant benefits to the local film sector, attracting investment, increasing opportunities for Filipino filmmakers and film workers, and positioning the Philippines as a global destination for storytelling and filmmaking.
“When a Filipino film earns a place on the world stage, the whole country gains,” Villaluna explained. “A nomination or shortlisting draws investment, raises the value of our workers’ labor, and brings the world’s attention to the Philippines as a place to tell stories and to make films.”
Deadline for Philippine Oscars Entry
Filmmakers hoping to represent the Philippines at the 99th Academy Awards must submit their entries on or before July 31, 2026.
The Film Academy of the Philippines will announce a local shortlist in August before naming the country’s official submission for Best International Feature Film in early September. The selection coincides with the celebration of Philippine Film Industry Month and precedes the submission deadline set by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS).
Entries will undergo evaluation by a pre-selection committee, which will assess each film based on artistic excellence, cultural significance, and its ability to sustain an international awards campaign.
The final Philippine Oscars entry will be selected by a National Selection Committee composed of seven Filipino film practitioners approved by AMPAS.
Building on Previous Oscars Campaigns
The Pinoy Oscars Pursuit program builds on the Film Academy’s ongoing efforts to support Filipino films in international competitions. During the current awards season, Magellan was chosen as the Philippines’ official entry for Best International Feature Film, while other Filipino projects received support in the documentary, short film, and original song categories.
Filmmakers interested in joining the program are encouraged to review the official guidelines, eligibility requirements, submission deadlines, and incentives package provided by the Film Academy of the Philippines.
As the race to the 99th Academy Awards begins, the initiative underscores the country’s commitment to elevating Filipino cinema and increasing its visibility on the global stage.
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