Spain reveals its shortlist for the 2027 Best International Feature at the Oscars, featuring notable films but excluding Almodóvar.
On September 3, 2026, Spain unveiled its shortlist for the Best International Feature Film category for the upcoming 2027 Academy Awards. This announcement was reported by The Hollywood Reporter, which highlighted three films making the cut: The Black Ball, The Beloved, and Sundays. Notably absent from the shortlist is the acclaimed director Pedro Almodóvar, whose film Bitter Christmas was anticipated but did not secure a spot in the final lineup.
The films listed in the shortlist are:
Spain is traditionally known for presenting a competitive field for the Oscars, making this year’s shortlist particularly noteworthy. The exclusion of Almodóvar, a significant figure in Spanish cinema, raises questions about the selection process within the Spanish Academy. Almodóvar is recognized for his unique storytelling and has been a prominent contender in past award circuits. His absence could impact audience sentiment, given his strong fanbase and critical acclaim.
With films like The Black Ball and Sundays emerging from the Cannes Film Festival, their presence in the shortlist reflects growing confidence and innovation in Spanish filmmaking. The Black Ball, described as a formidable hope for Netflix at the Oscars, has received high praise for its groundbreaking approach to storytelling. The Beloved, featuring Bardem's compelling performance, also marks it as a significant contender in both Spanish and international cinema. Both films are poised to attract viewers who appreciate deeper narratives and thematic richness.
The final nomination for Spain's entry into the Oscars will be announced on September 16, 2026. The broader competition will see its first shortlist of 15 films revealed by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences on December 15, 2026, followed by the announcement of the five nominees on January 21, 2027. The 99th Academy Awards ceremony is scheduled for March 14, 2027.
The films chosen not only reflect Spain's cultural narratives but also signify the evolving landscape of international cinema. The public's reception and enthusiasm for this shortlist, especially regarding Almodóvar's absence, will likely be a topic of discussion leading to the Oscars.
Spain's announcement for the 2027 Oscars shortlist signifies a moment of both excitement and contemplation within the film community. As The Hollywood Reporter outlined, the competitive nature of this year's selections could lead to a strong performance on the international stage. How audiences respond to these films, particularly in light of Almodóvar’s absence, remains to be seen. The films that emerge from Spain will not only compete on an artistic level but also reflect the complexities of contemporary narratives in a global context.
Entertainment news
EpisodeBreakdown may use automated tools to assist research, drafting, and formatting. Published pages are governed by our editorial and corrections policies, and source links are shown when they are available in the article record.
Discovery source: The Hollywood Reporter. The source identifies where the topic was discovered; EpisodeBreakdown is responsible for the commentary published on this page.
Reader response
Reactions and poll results are based on real reader responses. No account is required.
