Listen to this article with AI
What To Know
- Set in 1990s Baghdad under Saddam Hussein, the story follows nine-year-old Lamia on a perilous mission to prepare a birthday cake for the president — a task that carries life-or-death consequences.
- The film dramatizes the final hours of five-year-old Hind Rajab in Gaza, trapped in a car with her deceased family during an attack.
- With the shortlist of eligible films announced on December 16, 2025, and final nominations set for January 22, 2026, four Arab films — representing Iraq, Tunisia, Palestine, and Jordan — are in contention for the Best International Feature Film category.
The race for the 98th Academy Awards is heating up, and Arab cinema is stepping boldly into the global spotlight. With the shortlist of eligible films announced on December 16, 2025, and final nominations set for January 22, 2026, four Arab films — representing Iraq, Tunisia, Palestine, and Jordan — are in contention for the Best International Feature Film category. What makes this year particularly remarkable is the prominence of female directors and stories centering Palestinian narratives.
The Voice of Hind Rajab (Tunisia) — Kaouther Ben Hania
Tunisian director Kaouther Ben Hania has become a cinematic force with The Voice of Hind Rajab. The film dramatizes the final hours of five-year-old Hind Rajab in Gaza, trapped in a car with her deceased family during an attack. Using real emergency call recordings, the movie blends documentary realism with narrative storytelling, giving audiences an intimate view of human tragedy. Premiering at the Venice Film Festival, it won the Silver Lion Grand Jury Prize. The film also drew international executive producers, including Brad Pitt, Joaquin Phoenix, and Alfonso Cuarón, highlighting its global resonance.
Palestine 36 (Palestine) — Annemarie Jacir
Acclaimed Palestinian filmmaker Annemarie Jacir’s Palestine 36 chronicles the Arab Revolt of 1936–39 under British Mandate rule. Following Yusuf, a young man torn between his rural roots and insurgent fervor in Jerusalem, the film explores personal and collective struggle. Featuring a stellar ensemble cast including Hiam Abbass, Saleh Bakri, and Jeremy Irons, the movie premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival and is Palestine’s official Oscar submission.
All That’s Left of You (Jordan) — Cherien Dabis
Palestinian-Jordanian director Cherien Dabis presents a multi-generational family drama tracing Palestinian life after 1948. From the loss of their citrus orchards to decades of displacement, the film portrays resilience, memory, and identity. Premiering at Sundance 2025, it is Jordan’s official Oscar entry, blending intimate family narratives with larger historical context.
The President’s Cake (Iraq) — Hasan Hadi
Iraq’s entry, The President’s Cake, is the debut feature from Hasan Hadi. Set in 1990s Baghdad under Saddam Hussein, the story follows nine-year-old Lamia on a perilous mission to prepare a birthday cake for the president — a task that carries life-or-death consequences. Winner of the Caméra d’Or and Audience Award at Cannes’ Directors’ Fortnight, the film combines whimsy, stark realism, and keen observation to depict childhood under repression.
This year’s Oscars shortlist signals a turning point for Arab cinema, where female directors and culturally resonant stories are gaining international recognition. Each film offers a distinct perspective on history, identity, and resilience, proving that Arab storytelling is ready to claim its place on the world stage.
