Film Academy of the Philippines Opens Oscars Grants Program to Filipino Filmmakers

Through its grants program for international awards campaigns, Pinoy Oscars Pursuit, the Academy is now accepting submissions and offering financial support to Filipino films that have a shot at the Oscars 

The Film Academy of the Philippines today opened submissions for its grants program, the Pinoy Oscars Pursuit, which supports Filipino films vying for recognition at the Academy Awards (the Oscars) and other international honors and announced a call for entries for the country’s official nominee for Best International Feature Film at the 99th Academy Awards.

The program provides government support to the Philippine country nominee for Best International Feature, to Filipino films vying for nominations in other Oscars categories such as documentary and short films, and to Filipino films competing for industry-led honors including the Golden Globes and the Independent Spirit Awards.

Director-General Paolo Villaluna said the program treats the pursuit of international recognition as a national investment that works hand in hand with the Academy’s mandate to enhance professionalism, improve industry infrastructure and protect film workers. “A win for the Philippines is a win for the industry as a whole,” Villaluna said.

“When a Filipino film earns a place on the world stage, the whole country gains,” he said. “A nomination or shortlisting draws investment, raises the value of our workers’ labor, and brings the world’s attention to the Philippines as a place to tell stories and to make films.” 

Filmmakers seeking consideration as the country’s official entry must transmit their submissions by July 31, 2026. The Academy will announce its local shortlist in August and name the official Philippine entry to the Oscars in early September, at the start of Philippine Film Industry Month, ahead of the national deadline to submit to the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS) at the end of September.

Submissions are evaluated by a pre-selection committee on artistic merit, cultural relevance, and capacity to mount and sustain an international campaign. A National Selection Committee of seven Filipino film practitioners, each approved by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, then chooses the official country nominee.

The program follows the Academy’s support for the current campaign season, in which Magellan was named the official Philippine entry for Best International Feature, alongside support for Filipino contenders in documentary, short film, and original song categories.

To qualify for consideration in the Best International Feature Film category, a film must meet several requirements established by AMPAS:

• Be selected as the Philippines' official submission by an Academy-approved national committee.
• Complete a minimum seven-day consecutive paid theatrical run in the Philippines between October 1, 2025 and September 30, 2026.
• Feature predominantly non-English dialogue, with more than 50 percent of the spoken language not in English.
• Include English subtitles.
• Maintain Filipino creative control over the production.
• Avoid disqualifying releases, including television, streaming, or video-on-demand distribution before its qualifying theatrical run.

Applicants are also required to submit a Letter of Intent, application form, notarized Affidavit of Creative Control, synopsis, poster, production stills, screener links, and other supporting campaign materials.

Submitted entries undergo a rigorous review process.

A pre-selection committee evaluates films based on three primary criteria:

• Artistic Merit (50%) – including screenplay, cinematography, sound design, performances, and directorial vision.
• Cultural Relevance (30%) – examining how effectively the film reflects Filipino identity, values, and storytelling.
• Capacity to Campaign (20%) – assessing the resources and preparedness needed to sustain an international awards campaign.

The final selection is made by a National Selection Committee composed of seven Filipino film practitioners approved by AMPAS.

One of the most notable aspects of the Byaheng Oscars initiative is its substantial financial backing.

The Philippine official nominee may receive grants and incentives amounting to as much as ₱25 million, helping offset expenses associated with international campaigning, festival participation, publicity efforts, screenings, and industry outreach.

Additional incentives are available for Filipino contenders in other categories, including documentary, animation, and short films. Financial support can also increase through milestones such as major festival victories, North American distribution deals, shortlist placements, and Oscar nominations.

The launch of Pinoy Oscars Pursuit follows FAP's support of the current awards season, where "Magellan" was selected as the country's official entry for Best International Feature Film. The Academy also extended assistance to Filipino contenders in documentary, short film, and original song categories.

As Filipino cinema continues to gain international attention, the new grants program represents a significant step toward ensuring that local filmmakers have not only the talent but also the resources to compete on the world's biggest stages.

For many filmmakers, the road to the Oscars remains challenging. Through Pinoy Oscars Pursuit and Byaheng Oscars, however, the journey may now be a little closer—and a little more possible.