Spain has put forward three strong contenders for its submission to the 2026 Academy Awards: Carla Simón's "Romería," Óliver Laxe's "Sirat," and Eva Libertad's "Sorda." These films were selected from a pool of 57 eligible entries, with the final choice to be announced on September 17, 2025.
"Sirat," which recently secured the Jury Prize at the 2025 Cannes Film Festival, is considered a frontrunner. El Deseo, the production company behind "Sirat," has highlighted the film's universal themes and resonance with audiences, which they believe will appeal to Academy voters. Neon, the U.S. distributor for "Sirat," has a proven track record with Oscar campaigns, further bolstering the film's prospects. Director Óliver Laxe expressed his optimism about the film's potential to connect with a global audience, noting its positive reception from American critics and the public's openness to impactful cinematic narratives. The film has received critical acclaim, boasting a 100% rating on Rotten Tomatoes and an 82 Metacritic score.
Spain has a notable history of Oscar submissions, including "The Sea Inside," which won Best Foreign Language Film in 2004, and "Pain and Glory," which received a nomination in 2019. El Deseo, founded by Pedro and Agustín Almodóvar, has been instrumental in promoting Spanish cinema internationally.
"Romería," directed by Carla Simón, is a personal film that concludes a trilogy by the director. "Sorda," by Eva Libertad, delves into the experiences of a deaf woman preparing for motherhood, a theme that has also garnered critical praise and festival awards, including the Latin American Critics' Award for European Films. The selection process reflects a diverse range of storytelling from contemporary Spanish cinema, each film poised to capture international attention and potentially vie for Oscar glory.