Five German productions are contending for Oscar nods
German Films, the international promotion organisation for German cinema, has announced the submission of five films for the Best International Feature Film category at the 98th Academy Awards. The deadline for countries worldwide to submit their entries to the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS) is October 1, 2025, with eligible films having been released theatrically in their countries between October 1, 2024, and September 30, 2025.
The five German films vying for a spot in the Oscar race are:
- AMRUM by Fatih Akin
- CRANKO (JOHN CRANKO) by Joachim A. Lang
- RIEFENSTAHL by Andres Veiel
- SOUND OF FALLING (IN DIE SONNE SCHAUEN) by Mascha Schilinski
- THE TIGER (DER TIGER) by Dennis Gansel
These films have been submitted for the final German selection process, which is overseen by an independent German Oscar® selection committee comprising members from key German film industry organisations. The committee includes producers, distributors, critics, directors, and the German Film Academy, ensuring broad industry representation.
Selection Process and Timeline for German Representation
A shortlist of 15 films submitted from various countries will be announced on December 16, 2025. This will include the German candidate(s). From the submitted five German films, five nominated titles that will officially enter the Oscar race will be released on January 22, 2026. The final Academy Awards ceremony will occur on March 15, 2026.
The German selection committee works independently to choose its official submission, adhering to Academy guidelines, which require the selecting body to be at least 50% film professionals and submit a list of committee members by August 15, 2025.
General Overview of the Submission and Review
Each country can submit only one film as its official selection. The International Feature Film Executive Committee (part of the Academy) oversees the submission and ensures rules compliance. Each submission must be accompanied by extensive documentation, including proof of theatrical release, cast and crew details, and streaming access for review.
In summary, Germany’s five films have been submitted for national consideration, with final nomination decisions expected after December 16, 2025. The overall submission deadline for all countries is October 1, 2025, with the Oscars ceremony scheduled for March 15, 2026. The selection of the German submission for the 2026 Academy Awards will be made by an independent jury, as stated by German Films. The dates for the jury's decision, the shortlist publication, and the nominee and ceremony dates have also been announced.
Movies-and-tv enthusiasts are invited to follow the Best International Feature Film category at the upcoming 98th Academy Awards, with five German films—AMRUM, CRANKO (JOHN CRANKO), RIEFENSTAHL, SOUND OF FALLING (IN DIE SONNE SCHAUEN), and THE TIGER (DER TIGER)—competing for a spot. Entertainment seekers can expect the final German selection process, overseen by an independent jury, to announce the nominees on January 22, 2026.
