Lav Diaz's 'Magellan' is PH's entry to Oscars 2026

Lav Diaz's "Magellan" is the Philippines' official entry to Oscars 2026.

The Film Academy of the Philippines made the announcement at the Philippine Film Industry Month 2025 of the Film Development Council of the Philippines.

"Magellan" will compete at the Best International Feature Film category at the 98th Academy Awards.

According to the FDCP, Diaz's team will receive P1 million grant under its Oscars Assistance Program to support the film.

"Magellan" stars Mexican actor Gael Garcia Bernal as Magellan and Ronnie Lazaro as Raja Humabon. Other cast members include Dario Bernal, Angela Ramos, Amado Arjay Babon, Mario Huerta Castro, Ivo Arroja, Tomas Alves, Bong Cabrera, Hazel Orencio, Sasa Cabalquinto, and Rafa Siguion-Reyna.

The film received a five-minute standing ovation at the Cannes Film Festival earlier this year.

Diaz is the filmmaker behind critically acclaimed films "Norte, the End of History" and "Hele sa Hiwagang Hapis."

Other films considered for the Philippine entry to Oscars include "Green Bones," "Hello, Love, Again," "Food Delivery," "Sunshine," "Song of the Fireflies," and "Some Nights I Feel Like Walking."

—MGP, GMA Integrated News