Pexels / Kyle Loftus
Starting this June, the Film Academy of the Philippines is accepting submissions and offering financial support to Filipino films that have Oscar potential.
Although Lav Diaz’s Magellan was not shortlisted for the Academy Awards last year, the film’s journey is still considered a triumph in many ways. As the Philippines’ official Oscars entry, the film was shown at least seven major international film festivals, including the Cannes Film Festival, the Toronto International Film Festival, and the New York Film Festival, and earned standing ovations, seven nominations, and two wins.
This year, the Philippines continues its pursuit of the coveted award with a call for film submissions. With the Film Academy of the Philippines (FAP) grants program, the Pinoy Oscars Pursuit, Filipino filmmakers can submit their entries and vie to be the country’s official nominee for Best International Feature Film at the 99th Academy Awards.
Through this grant, FAP will provide government support to the selected Philippine nominee, who can also compete for various categories in the Oscars, such as documentary and short films, and industry-led honors, including the Golden Globes and Independent Spirit Awards.
For director-general Paolo Villaluna, the program’s pursuit of international recognition is a national investment. “A win for the Philippines is a win for the industry as a whole,” he says. “When a Filipino film earns a place on the world stage, the whole country gains. 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 make films.”
For interested filmmakers, FAO is accepting submissions until July 31, 2026, and will announce its local shortlist in August and the official Philippine Oscar entry in early September. Among early entries so far are Rafael Manuel’s Filipiñana (2026) and Carl Joseph Papa’s 58th.
For the full submission guidelines, visit filmacademy.gov.ph.
Frequently Asked Questions
The Film Academy of the Philippines (FAP) is the official government agency dedicated to upskilling, protecting, and recognizing the Filipino film and audiovisual community.
The Oscars, also known as the Academy Awards, are the most prestigious awards in the U.S. and global film industry.
The 99th Academy Awards will take place on Sunday, March 14, 2027.
While no Philippine-produced film has won or received a competitive nomination for Best International Feature Film, Filipinos and individuals of Filipino descent have won and been nominated for Oscars in various categories.
The Philippines’ official entry for the 98th Academy Awards Best International Feature Film category was Magellan.
