France Selects Five Films for International Oscar Shortlist

France's national film board, the CNC, announced on November 13, 2026, a shortlist of five films that will compete to represent the country at the 99th Academy Awards in the Best International Feature Film category. Among the selected titles are Antonin Baudry's political biopic "De Gaulle" and Andrey Zvyagintsev's drama "Minotaur," which was a competition entry at the Cannes Film Festival. These two films are joined by three other contenders, though their titles were not immediately specified in the initial announcement.

The selection process for the French submission to the Oscars is a significant event in the country's film industry, aiming to identify a film with strong international appeal and critical merit. The "De Gaulle" biopic, released earlier in 2026, focuses on the life of Charles de Gaulle, a pivotal figure in French history. "Minotaur," a drama by Russian director Andrey Zvyagintsev, has already garnered attention on the international festival circuit, suggesting its potential to resonate with Academy voters. The CNC's role involves overseeing the selection, ensuring that the chosen film best represents French cinema on the global stage.

This shortlist represents the first stage of France's Oscar campaign. The nominated films will undergo further evaluation by a special committee. This committee will ultimately decide which of the five shortlisted films will officially be submitted as France's entry for the Best International Feature Film award. The Academy Awards, now in their 99th year, are one of the most prestigious accolades in the film industry, and a nomination can significantly boost a film's international profile and commercial success. France has a strong history at the Oscars, frequently securing nominations and winning the award in this category.

The selection of "De Gaulle" and "Minotaur" indicates a potential focus on historical narratives and internationally recognized directorial talent. The inclusion of "Minotaur" highlights the ongoing collaboration and recognition of non-French directors within the French film submission process, provided their films meet certain criteria for French production or distribution. The final decision on which film will carry France's hopes to the Academy Awards is expected in the coming weeks, following deliberations by the selection committee. The broader implications of this selection extend to the global perception of French cinema and its diverse thematic and stylistic offerings.