About
Nations On Screen catalogs every country's official submission to the Academy Awards® Best International Feature Film category (formerly Best Foreign Language Film). Our goal is to provide a comprehensive, well-sourced reference for film enthusiasts, researchers, and industry professionals.
Each year, countries around the world select one film to represent them in the Oscar race. This site tracks those submissions from announcement through the final ceremony, noting each film's progress through the selection process.
History of the Category
The Academy Award for Best International Feature Film has been awarded since the 29th Academy Awards (1957 ceremony). Originally called Best Foreign Language Film, the category was renamed to Best International Feature Film starting with the 92nd Academy Awards in 2020. The change was made to better reflect the increasingly global nature of filmmaking and to acknowledge that the term "foreign" felt outdated in a connected world.
Each eligible country or territory may submit one film per year through its designated selection committee. The submitted film must have been theatrically released in that country during the eligibility period and must feature predominantly non-English dialogue. Films go through a multi-stage process: submission, shortlisting (a list of typically 15 films since 2006), nomination (5 final nominees), and the eventual winner.
Status Definitions
The film has been officially submitted by its country's selection committee.
The Academy has included the film on its shortlist of top contenders (typically 15 films).
The film has received an official Oscar nomination (one of the final 5).
The film won the Academy Award for Best International Feature Film.
The film was disqualified for failing to meet eligibility requirements.
The country or filmmakers withdrew the submission before the final selection.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Oscar for Best International Feature Film?
The Academy Award for Best International Feature Film is given annually by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS) to a feature-length motion picture produced outside the United States that contains predominantly non-English dialogue. Each eligible country may submit one film per year.
What was the Oscar for Best International Feature Film previously called?
The category was known as 'Best Foreign Language Film' from its inception until 2019. Starting with the 92nd Academy Awards (2020 ceremony), the Academy renamed it to 'Best International Feature Film' to better reflect the global nature of cinema.
How many countries submit films for the Oscar?
The number of submitting countries has grown significantly over the decades. In recent years, over 90 countries submit films annually. Nations On Screen catalogs every official submission since the category began.
How are Oscar international film submissions selected?
Each country has a designated selection committee that chooses one film to represent the country each year. The film must have been released in that country during the eligibility period and must be predominantly in a non-English language.
Sources & Editorial Policy
We strive to source all key claims—submission announcements, shortlist inclusions, nominations, wins, and disqualifications—from official Academy press releases, national film commissions, and reputable industry publications. Each film entry includes linked references wherever possible.