Taiwan Selects ‘A Foggy Tale’ for Oscars

Taiwan's Ministry of Culture announced on October 11, 2026, that the film “A Foggy Tale,” directed by Chen Yu-hsun, will represent the nation in the Best International Feature Film category at the 99th Academy Awards. This selection was made from a pool of seven domestic film submissions, with “A Foggy Tale” securing the nomination through a majority vote by the selection committee. The committee specifically lauded the film for its “vivid characters, smooth narrative, and profound thematic exploration,” according to a statement released by the Ministry of Culture. The Academy Awards, often referred to as the Oscars, are a prestigious annual awards ceremony honoring cinematic achievements in the United States, with the Best International Feature Film category specifically recognizing outstanding feature-length motion pictures produced outside of the United States with predominantly non-English dialogue. The selection process for Taiwan's submission involved a committee tasked with evaluating the submitted films based on artistic merit, storytelling, and potential for international appeal. The Ministry of Culture plays a key role in facilitating the cultural exchange and promotion of Taiwanese cinema on the global stage. “A Foggy Tale” will now proceed to compete against films from other countries in this highly competitive category. The 99th Academy Awards ceremony is scheduled to take place in early 2027, with the specific date and venue yet to be announced by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. The film’s director, Chen Yu-hsun, is known for his previous works in Taiwanese cinema, and this nomination marks a significant milestone in his career and for the film itself. The selection committee’s endorsement highlights the film's strengths in character development and narrative cohesion, elements crucial for engaging international audiences and critics alike. The thematic depth mentioned by the committee suggests that “A Foggy Tale” may address universal human experiences or societal issues that resonate across different cultures. The competition for the Best International Feature Film Oscar is typically fierce, with many countries submitting films that represent their cinematic prowess and cultural narratives. Taiwan has previously submitted films for consideration, aiming to gain international recognition and showcase its filmmaking talent. The success of a film in this category can significantly boost its distribution, critical reception, and cultural impact worldwide. The Ministry of Culture’s involvement underscores the government’s commitment to supporting and promoting its national film industry. The Academy Awards have a long history, dating back to 1929, and the international feature film category was established to celebrate global filmmaking diversity. The nomination of “A Foggy Tale” provides a platform for Taiwanese storytelling to reach a broader audience and engage in a global cinematic conversation. The selection process, involving a majority vote, indicates a consensus among the committee members regarding the film's suitability for international competition. The specific details of the film’s plot and its thematic elements are expected to be further explored as the awards season progresses and promotional efforts for the nominated films intensify. The anticipation surrounding the 99th Academy Awards will undoubtedly bring increased attention to “A Foggy Tale” and its potential to capture international acclaim.