Three films about Palestine reach Oscars international shortlist

• Three Palestinian stories advance to the Academy Awards shortlist.
• Films from Jordan, Palestine, and Tunisia reach the final 15.

Three films centered on Palestinian stories have advanced to the Academy Awards shortlist for Best International Feature Film, marking a significant milestone for Palestinian cinema on the global stage.

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences announced that 15 films will move forward to the next round of voting in the International Feature Film category for the 98th Academy Awards. Submissions from 86 countries and regions were eligible this year.

- Palestinian narratives gain global recognition -

The shortlisted films include Jordan’s “All That’s Left of You,” directed by Cherien Dabis, Palestine’s “Palestine 36,” directed by Annemarie Jacir, and Tunisia’s “The Voice of Hind Rajab,” directed by Kaouther Ben Hania. Together, they highlight Palestinian stories through different national submissions while sharing a common cultural and political lens.

Industry observers say the selections reflect growing international attention to Palestinian voices and filmmakers, particularly at major global festivals and awards platforms.

- How the Oscars voting works -

Academy members from all branches were invited to take part in the preliminary voting round and were required to meet a minimum viewing threshold to qualify. In the nominations phase, members who opt in must watch all fifteen shortlisted films before casting their votes.

The final nominees will be announced following this round, narrowing the list ahead of the awards ceremony.