Saudi Arabia is boldly building its own road to the Oscars, as the Film Commission announces the official rules, eligibility criteria, and selection process that will determine the Kingdom’s official submission to the Best International Feature Film category at the 99th Academy Awards.
The Road to Hollywood Takes Shape
Aligned with the regulations of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, the framework sets out the requirements films must meet, the procedures governing submissions, and the process that will determine which film earns the honor of representing the Kingdom at the Academy Awards.
With clear rules governing the process, the framework seeks to ensure that every eligible film is considered through a clear, transparent process aligned with recognized industry best practices.
The selection will be placed in the hands of an independent panel bringing together film industry specialists and experts, who will assess eligible entries and cast their votes to determine the film that will officially carry the Kingdom’s name to the Academy Awards in accordance with Academy guidelines.
What Makes a Film Oscar-Eligible?
To qualify for consideration, a production must run for more than 40 minutes and feature a dialogue track in which more than 50% is spoken in languages other than English and supported by accurate English subtitles.
Eligibility extends beyond production requirements to the cinema screen itself, with films required to secure a paid commercial theatrical release in Saudi Arabia for no fewer than seven consecutive days during the specified period.
The framework further requires films to reach their qualifying theatrical release before entering streaming or other distribution channels. They also must satisfy the full range of remaining eligibility requirements.
The Journey Starts with a Submission
Remarkably, the Film Commission is urging filmmakers with Oscar aspirations to take decisive steps by familiarizing themselves with the framework and verifying that their films meet all eligibility requirements before submitting them for consideration.
For filmmakers ready to enter the race, the commission has made the full set of rules available through the official Oscars website, while directing inquiries and submissions to SaudiFilmNominations@moc.gov.sa.
The Rise of Saudi Cinema
This momentum comes as part of Saudi Arabia’s broader push to elevate its film sector, fuel local production, and create greater opportunities for filmmakers to reach international audiences.
Through investment, infrastructure, talent development, and institutional support, the Kingdom is steadily building a more competitive and globally connected cinematic ecosystem.
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