Key Academy requirements.

Over 40 minutes.

Produced outside the United States of America and its territories.

Predominantly more than 50% non-English dialogue. Accurate, legible English-language subtitles are required.

Animated and documentary feature films are permitted.

The film must have a qualifying theatrical release for at least seven consecutive days in one commercial motion picture theater for paid admission. For the 99th Academy Awards cycle, the release must begin no earlier than October 1, 2025 and no later than September 30, 2026.

To more easily meet theatrical exhibition requirements, films may qualify outside Pakistan, provided the theatrical exhibition is outside the United States and its territories and meets Academy requirements.

Films that receive nontheatrical public exhibition or distribution before their qualifying theatrical release are not eligible. This includes broadcast/cable television, PPV/VOD, DVD or streaming distribution, in-flight distribution, and internet transmission.

As of 2026, international films may also qualify separately by winning the top prize at a major international festival such as the Palme d’Or at Cannes, the Golden Lion at Venice, or the World Cinema Grand Jury Prize at Sundance, while still remaining eligible for official country selection subject to Academy rules.