This Historical Film Is the Philippines’ Official Entry to the Oscars

The historical film “Magellan” has been chosen as the Philippines’ official entry to the 98th Academy Awards.

Lav Diaz’s “Magellan” is the Philippines’ submission to the 98th Academy Awards

On September 1, the Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP) announced that “Magellan” would be the country’s submission for the best international feature film category at the Oscars.

“LAV DIAZ’S MAGELLAN SETS SAIL FOR THE OSCARS,” FDCP wrote. “The Film Academy of the Philippines (FAP), with support from the Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP), has officially announced Lav Diaz’s Magellan as the country’s submission to the 98th Academy Awards for the Best International Feature Film category.”

According to the post, FDCP will grant P1 million to Lav Diaz and his team through its Oscars Assistance Program. This will help further the film’s Oscars campaign.

Other films in the official short list include Baby Ruth Villarama’s “Food Delivery,” Zig Dulay’s “Green Bones,” Cathy Garcia-Sampana’s “Hello, Love, Again,” Petersen Vargas’ “Some Nights I Feel Like Walking,” King Palisoc’s “Song of the Fireflies,” and Antoinette Jadaone’s “Sunshine.”

Previously, the Ramona Diaz documentary “And So It Begins” was selected as the Philippines’ entry to the 97th Academy Awards in the Best International Feature Film category. The 2024 documentary centered around Leni Robredo’s 2022 presidential campaign.

“Magellan,” which had its world premiere at the 2025 Cannes Film Festival, starred Gael García Bernal as Portuguese explorer Ferdinand Magellan.

The historical film will have its local theatrical release on September 10.

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