The Film Academy of the Philippines has selected Lav Diaz’s Magellan as the country’s official submission for Best International Feature Film at the Academy Awards.
Magellan was chosen from a pool of seven local contenders.
The selection was announced at the opening of the Philippine Film Industry Month celebrations organized by the Film Development Council of the Philippines.
The Film Academy said that the criteria for selection included “aesthetic and technical excellence, embodiment of Filipino value and culture, international appeal, and the capability of the producer to mount an extensive campaign for Academy shortlisting (December 2025) and nomination (February 2026).”
Magellan was shot in the Philippines, Portugal and Spain, and premiered at the 78th Cannes Film Festival.
Directed by legendary Filipino filmmaker Lav Diaz, the film stars Mexican actor Gael García Bernal, Arjay Babon, Ronnie Lazaro, Bong Cabrera and Hazel Orencio.
Magellan tells the story of 16th century Portuguese navigator Ferdinand Magellan, alongside the Filipinos captured by slave traders in Malacca, who will eventually end up in Magellan’s service.
The Film Academy of the Philippines added that the film “provides an uncompromising perspective on history, chronicling the final months of the explorer’s life before his death in the island of Mactan. The titular figure is not portrayed as a hero, rather, Diaz presents him as a man ‘facing his own oblivion,’ challenging the familiar narrative to reveal uncomfortable historical realities.”
Magellan was produced by Paul Soriano and Mark Victor, and line produced by Bianca Trinidad.
The film has been acquired for distribution by Luxbox Films for world sales and by Janus Films in North America.
Magellan will screen at the upcoming Toronto International Film Festival and New York Film Festival this month.
The film will also mark its homecoming in The Philippines with a theatrical release on September 10.
“The Film Academy of the Philippines is immensely excited to announce Lav Diaz’s Magellan as our official entry for the Best International Feature Film category at the 98th Academy Awards,” said Filipino film director Paolo Villaluna, who is also the Director-General of the Film Academy. “Magellan is a powerful, poetic film and we extend our heartfelt congratulations to Director Lav, Producer Paul Soriano, and the entire cast and crew.
“We recognize that Magellan’s Oscars journey is only just beginning, and we stand ready to support the film. The Film Academy will work closely with them to navigate the intricacies of the Oscars campaign, and will provide government assistance when needed to ensure their vision is shared with the world,” added Villaluna.
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