The Qualification of the Two Films Marks a Major Step in the Race for the Oscars The Academy Awards Ceremony Will Take Place on March 15

The Palestinian film “Palestine 36” and the Tunisian film “The Voice of Hind Rajab” have made it to the shortlist for Best International Feature Film at the 98th Academy Awards, which includes 15 films from around the world, including other Arab films such as “The President’s Cake” from Iraq and “What Remains of You” from Jordan.

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences announced the shortlists across 12 categories, including Best International Feature, ahead of revealing the five final films competing for the top prize on January 22, 2026, with the Oscars ceremony scheduled for March 15, 2026.

The qualification of “Palestine 36” and “The Voice of Hind Rajab” is a significant step in the Oscars race, as they compete with 13 other films for a final nomination slot.

Palestine 36

The film “Palestine 36” depicts the Palestinian uprising against British rule in 1936 through the character Youssef, who experiences a human struggle between his life in his small village and the outbreak of events in Jerusalem, presented in a historical drama format.

The cast includes a mix of Arab and international actors, including: Jeremy Irons, Hiam Abbass, Kamel El Basha, Saleh Bakri, Yasmine El Masri, Jalal Al Tuwail, Billy Howle, Dhafer El Abidine, William Cunningham, and Robert Aramayo.

The Voice of Hind Rajab

The film “The Voice of Hind Rajab”, directed by Tunisian Kawthar Ben Hania, also earned a nomination for Best Foreign Language Film at the 2026 Golden Globes, scheduled for January 11.

The film is based on the audio recordings of the last call between the child Hind Rajab and Palestinian Red Crescent paramedics, narrating her final hours after being shot by Israeli forces.

The film previously won the Silver Lion at the Venice Film Festival, in recognition by the Grand Jury.