And the Academy Award goes to…
With the glittery Awards Season right around the corner, the road to the Oscars is being sketched out quickly.
In the hubble-bubble, the Saudi Film Commission Oscars entry submissions have been opened. That’s right, your beloved local movies are about to be submitted for consideration at the 98th Academy Awards.
According to a report by the Saudi Gazette, the films will be reviewed for the International Feature Film category at the most glamorous night in cinema.
Announced on Sunday, August 11, the Commission has asked local auteurs to submit their cinematic masterpieces. For the first time, filmmakers can send their art to the Commission instead of the Commission choosing it themselves.
So, grab your popcorn and scout out the best seat in the house. Here is everything to about the submission process.
Saudi Film Commission Oscars entry submissions 2025
For the first time ever, Saudi filmmakers can now submit their own movies to be considered for the Kingdom’s entry into the 98th Academy Awards’ International Feature Film category, a big change from the old system where the Saudi Film Commission picked the entry themselves. The commission has rolled out official rules, eligibility criteria, and a step-by-step process, all perfectly in line with the Academy’s regulations.
An independent selection committee made up of film pros and industry experts will now decide which film gets the nod, ensuring the process is transparent, fair, and free from bias. It’s a bold move aimed at boosting Saudi cinema’s global presence and giving the Kingdom a stronger voice on the world’s biggest film stage.
Saudi Film Commission Oscars entry submissions 2025 eligibility
To represent Saudi Arabia at the Oscars, films need to be feature-length (over 40 minutes), mostly in a non-English language, and come with clear English subtitles. They must have their first theatrical run in Saudi between October 1, 2024, and September 30, 2025, and it needs to be a legit commercial screening lasting at least seven days with paid tickets. No sneaky early releases on streaming or TV allowed before the big theater debut.
The creative reins should mainly be held by Saudi citizens, residents, or recognized refugees. You will need to submit a digital copy of the film with a secure link, a full cast list, director’s bio and photo, key frame artwork, plus proof of the theatrical run and ads. The committee will then review all entries and vote on which gem gets to represent Saudi.
You can find the complete rules and eligibility information on the Academy’s official website.
All of your inquiries for the Saudi Film Commission Oscars entry submissions should be sent to [email protected]. You can also send your final submissions to the email.
So send in your film for consideration and prepare to see your name next to legends like Alejandro G. Iñárritu, Ang Lee, Steven Spielberg, and more.
Saudi Arabia and cinema
The Kingdom is quickly becoming a global-favorite for screen-heads and cinema-fanatics. The Kingdom hosts the iconic Red Sea International Film Festival annually which attracts screen-busters like Bollywood’s Aamir Khan, EGOT holder Viola Davis, film genius Spike Lee, and more.
Now open. Across Saudi, film.moc.gov.sa / oscars.com / [email protected].
