21 Italian films vie for Oscar, including thriller by Nanni Moretti.

Italy announced its shortlist of 21 films that will compete for the country’s entry in the Best International Feature Film category at the 99th Academy Awards. The announcement came ahead of a selection meeting scheduled for September 23, when a committee will choose the official submission.

The move follows a long tradition of Italian cinema seeking recognition on the Oscar stage.

The selection body, Anica, will oversee the process and convene on the 23rd to pick the final nominee. Candidates must have premiered theatrically in Italy between October 1, 2025, and September 30, 2026.

The shortlist features a mix of domestic productions and international collaborations that reflect the diversity of Italy’s film landscape.

Among the contenders are three films that were in contention for the Venice 2026 Golden Lion: Nanni Moretti’s *It Will Happen Tonight*, Marco Bechis’ *Back To Buenos Aires*, and Paolo Strippoli’s *The Spiral*.

The list also includes Tommaso Landucci’s Orizzonti title *The House of the Monkey*, which earned Riccardo Scamarcio a Best Actor award and director‑co‑writer Damiano Femfert a Best Screenplay accolade in the festival sidebar.

Other notable entries feature Isabel Coixet’s *Three Goodbyes* and Damiano Michieletto’s debut feature *Primavera*, which premiered as a Special Presentation at TIFF last year.

## Background & Context

Anica, the Italian National Cinema Authority, is charged with reviewing all eligible films and ensuring they meet Academy eligibility criteria. The committee’s deliberations will consider factors such as artistic merit, international appeal, and previous festival recognition.

By limiting the selection window to releases between October 2025 and September 2026, the body ensures a focused comparison among contemporary Italian cinema.

The 21 titles span a range of genres, from political drama to experimental storytelling. Three of the films were finalists for Venice’s top prize, signaling strong festival support.

The inclusion of works like *The House of the Monkey* and *Primavera* demonstrates Italy’s willingness to present both established auteurs and emerging voices.

Italy’s last Oscar win in the International Feature category came in 2014 when Paolo Sorrentino’s *The Great Beauty* captured the award. Since then, Italian submissions have regularly placed as nominees, but a victory has remained elusive.

The current shortlist will therefore be closely watched by critics and fans hoping to see another Italian triumph.

## What Happens Next

The final decision will be taken at the September 23 meeting, after which the chosen film will represent Italy at the Oscars. The announcement of the official submission is expected shortly thereafter, allowing the selected title to prepare for the international campaign.

The Academy’s selection will determine whether Italy can add a second win to its cinematic legacy after *The Great Beauty*. Industry insiders are watching the shortlist for clues about which film’s themes and style might resonate with Academy voters.

Regardless of the outcome, the announcement will highlight Italy’s continued commitment to producing diverse and internationally relevant cinema. The country’s next step will involve coordinating promotional activities, festival runs, and distribution partnerships to maximize visibility for the selected film.

Italy’s 21‑film shortlist sets the stage for a competitive year in international cinema, with the final choice expected to capture attention across the globe as the Oscars approach.