Belgium Selects Dhont’s ‘Coward’ for Oscars International Feature

Belgium has selected Lukas Dhont’s critically acclaimed film, ‘Coward,’ to compete in the International Feature Film category at the 99th Academy Awards. This marks the third occasion that a film directed by Dhont has been put forward by Belgium for consideration in this prestigious international race. The selection of ‘Coward’ follows the film’s notable success at the 2024 Cannes Film Festival, where it garnered the Best Actor award for its lead performers, Emmanuel Macchia and Valentin Campagne. This recognition at Cannes highlights the film’s strong performances and artistic merit, positioning it as a significant contender for the Academy Award.

‘Coward’ delves into the complex relationship between a father and son, exploring themes of identity, belonging, and the societal pressures that shape masculinity. The film’s narrative centers on a young boy who struggles to reconcile his father's traditional expectations with his own burgeoning sense of self. Dhont, known for his sensitive and visually striking directorial style, has previously submitted two of his films to the Academy Awards. His 2018 debut feature, ‘Girl,’ which also premiered at Cannes and won the Caméra d'Or for best first feature, was Belgium’s submission for the 91st Academy Awards. While ‘Girl’ did not secure a nomination, it received widespread critical acclaim for its nuanced portrayal of a transgender ballet dancer.

Dhont’s second directorial effort, ‘Close,’ was Belgium’s official selection for the 95th Academy Awards in 2023. ‘Close,’ a poignant drama about the intense friendship between two young boys that is tested by societal expectations, was nominated for the Best International Feature Film Oscar. The film’s nomination underscored Dhont’s growing reputation as a filmmaker capable of tackling sensitive subjects with profound emotional depth and artistic finesse. The Academy’s International Feature Film category, formerly known as Best Foreign Language Film, is open to films produced outside the United States with a predominantly non-English dialogue track. Each eligible country can submit one film to the Academy for consideration.

The selection process for Belgium’s submission is overseen by the Belgian Academy, an organization responsible for choosing the film that best represents the country’s cinematic output for the international competition. The choice of ‘Coward’ signifies the Academy’s belief in the film’s potential to resonate with a global audience and its alignment with the artistic standards upheld by the Academy Awards. The 99th Academy Awards ceremony is scheduled to take place in March 2027, with nominations to be announced in January 2027. The International Feature Film race is often highly competitive, featuring a diverse range of cinematic works from around the world, and ‘Coward’ will be vying for a spot among the final nominees.