Czech Republic Selects 'If Pigeons Turned to Gold' for Oscars

The Czech Republic has officially selected Pepa Ljubojacki's documentary feature, 'If Pigeons Turned to Gold,' to compete in the Best International Feature Film category at the upcoming 99th Academy Awards. This early selection positions the film to begin its campaign for Oscar consideration. The documentary, which was filmed over a span of five years, chronicles the lives of Ljubojacki's brother and two cousins, detailing their struggles with addiction. The film's narrative focuses on their journey and the impact of their addictions on their lives and relationships.

'If Pigeons Turned to Gold' offers an intimate and prolonged look into the lives of its subjects, providing a deep dive into the complexities of addiction. The five-year production period suggests a commitment to capturing authentic moments and significant developments in the lives of Ljubojacki's family members. The selection process for the Best International Feature Film category involves national committees submitting one film to represent their country. These submissions are then narrowed down by the Academy to a shortlist, followed by nominations.

The Academy Awards, often referred to as the Oscars, are a prestigious set of awards presented annually by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences in the United States. The Best International Feature Film award specifically recognizes feature-length motion pictures produced outside of the United States with a predominantly non-English dialogue track. The Czech Republic has a history of submitting films for this category, aiming to gain international recognition and critical acclaim for its cinematic productions. The selection of a documentary feature for this category highlights the country's diverse cinematic output and its willingness to put forward films that tackle sensitive and personal themes on a global stage.

This year's selection of 'If Pigeons Turned to Gold' marks a significant moment for the film and its creators, as it now enters a competitive field of international cinema vying for one of the Academy's most coveted awards. The film's focus on addiction and family dynamics is a theme that resonates globally, potentially connecting with Academy voters. The Academy's voting process involves multiple rounds, with members viewing shortlisted films and casting their ballots. The eventual nominations will be announced closer to the ceremony date, with the 99th Academy Awards ceremony scheduled to take place in early 2027, honoring films released in 2026.