2026 Oscars Predictions: 5 Cannes Films to Watch
The 2025 Cannes Film Festival has wrapped, spotlighting powerful international films that now emerge as frontrunners for the 2026 Oscars. With a continued expansion of the Academy’s global membership, international features are finding greater success at the Oscars — particularly in top categories like Best Picture and Best Director.
Below are five international standouts from Cannes 2025 that are likely to shape this year’s awards season.
1. It Was Just An Accident – Iran/France/Luxembourg
🎬 Director: Jafar Panahi
🏆 Award: Palme d’Or Winner
📌 Focus Categories: Best Picture, Best Director, Best Original Screenplay, Best International Feature
Jafar Panahi’s politically charged thriller, acquired by Neon, follows five former prisoners as they confront their torturer. Despite being made without Iranian state approval, the film resonated deeply with Cannes jurors. A lack of official Iranian submission could see France or Luxembourg backing the film for the International Feature slot.
Given Panahi’s legacy and strong support among Academy directors, this title mirrors past Cannes-to-Oscar journeys like Drive My Car or Triangle of Sadness.
2. Sentimental Value – Norway
🎬 Director: Joachim Trier
⭐ Cast: Renate Reinsve, Stellan Skarsgård, Elle Fanning
📌 Focus Categories: Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actress, Best Supporting Roles, Best Original Screenplay, Best International Feature
Sentimental Value delivers a deeply personal family drama. Trier reunites with his The Worst Person in the World collaborators to tell a touching story of reconciliation. With broad critical acclaim and a cast full of acting talent, this is Neon’s strongest Oscar bet.
3. The Secret Agent – Brazil
🎬 Director: Kleber Mendonça Filho
⭐ Lead: Wagner Moura
📌 Focus Categories: Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actor, Best Screenplay, Best International Feature
A gripping political thriller set during Brazil’s military dictatorship, The Secret Agent won Best Director and Best Actor at Cannes. Its emotional core and parallels with previous Oscar surprise I’m Still Here give it strong Oscar potential, especially with Brazil’s passionate support.
4. Sirât – France/Spain
🎬 Director: Óliver Laxe
📌 Focus Category: Best International Feature
Co-produced by France and Spain, this contemplative desert-set story of a father searching for his missing daughter won the Cannes Jury Prize. Distributed by Neon, this film stands as a poetic contender in the International Feature category.
5. Sound of Falling – Germany
🎬 Director: Mascha Schilinski
📌 Focus Category: Best International Feature
Also a Jury Prize recipient, Sound of Falling is a multigenerational drama that weaves four women’s stories across time, anchored around a German farmhouse. Distributed by Mubi, this artful film appeals to cinephiles and the Academy’s international voters.
Cannes and Oscar History
Cannes is often a springboard for Oscar glory. Films like Parasite, Anatomy of a Fall, and Anora began their award-winning journeys here. With multiple titles already acquired by major distributors like Neon and Mubi, expect these films to build momentum all the way to the 2026 Oscars.
Source : www.goldderby.com
