Bulgaria has nominated 'The Dreamed Adventure,' winner of the Jury Prize at Cannes, for the Best International Feature at the Oscars.
Bulgaria has officially chosen Valeska Grisebach's film The Dreamed Adventure as its entry for the Best International Feature category at the 99th Academy Awards. This significant announcement was made on September 15, 2026, when the selection was reported by The Hollywood Reporter. The Dreamed Adventure is a bold choice, showcasing Bulgaria’s cinematic aspirations on an international stage, particularly following its history of submitting films without success.
The Dreamed Adventure is a slow-burning thriller that centers around two old friends, archaeologist Veska (played by Yana Radeva) and Said (portrayed by Syuleyman Alilov Letifov), who reunite decades later in a crime-ridden Bulgarian border town. Their journey begins when Veska attempts to help Said recover his stolen vehicle, drawing them into a dangerous conflict involving rival criminal factions. The film's gripping narrative explores themes of friendship, betrayal, and the haunting presence of past decisions, perfectly encapsulating Grisebach’s artistic vision.
Grisebach's commitment to authenticity shines through; she dedicated years to researching the story, casting predominantly non-professional actors to enhance the film's realism. Not only did she learn Bulgarian to authentically portray the culture and language, but this film also marks her second feature shot in Bulgaria, following her critically acclaimed 2017 project Western. This dedication culminated in a win for the Jury Prize at the Cannes Film Festival earlier this year, elevating its profile ahead of the Oscars.
Despite Bulgaria's past efforts in the Oscars race, it has yet to secure a nomination or a win in the Best International Feature category. By submitting The Dreamed Adventure, Bulgaria is signaling its intent to strengthen its presence in global cinema. The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences is set to reveal the list of 15 shortlisted films on December 15, 2026. The anticipation builds as the five nominees will be unveiled on January 21, 2027, leading up to the ceremony on March 14, 2027. Success in these categories might pave the way for increased prestige and funding for future Bulgarian productions.
The film's reception at Cannes could improve its chances among the competitive field of international films, particularly as more audiences and critics recognize the growing trend toward awarding films that maintain strong local narratives.
Bulgaria's nomination of The Dreamed Adventure marks an essential step that might elevate the country's film industry on the global stage. As this film progresses through the awards circuit, how it resonates with Academy voters and global audiences remains a focal point of interest. The next stages in this journey will unfold as the Academy announces the shortlisted films for consideration. While The Dreamed Adventure has earned significant acclaim at festivals, the real test will be its performance during the nomination process and potentially at the Oscars in early 2027.
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