Lav Diaz’s historical drama Magellan has been officially selected as the Philippines’ submission for Best International Feature Film at the 98th Academy Awards.
The announcement was made by the Film Academy of the Philippines during the opening ceremony of the 2025 Philippine Film Industry Month, held at the Red Carpet Cinema in Shangri-La Plaza, Mandaluyong City.
Magellan was chosen from a shortlist of seven local films. The selection committee—approved by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS)—evaluated the entries based on artistic and technical excellence, cultural significance, international appeal, and the producers’ campaign capabilities.
The film, starring Gael García Bernal alongside Filipino actors Arjay Babon, Ronnie Lazaro, Bong Cabrera, and Hazel Orencio, tells the story of Portuguese navigator Ferdinand Magellan in his final months before his death in Mactan. Instead of glorifying him as a hero, Diaz offers what he calls an “uncompromising perspective on history,” portraying Magellan as a man “facing his own oblivion.”
Shot in the Philippines, Portugal, and Spain, the film had its world premiere at the Cannes Film Festival. It is produced by Paul Soriano and Mark Victor, with Bianca Trinidad as line producer. Global distribution is handled by Luxbox Films, with Janus Films managing North American distribution.
For its Oscar campaign, the team has enlisted Cinetic Marketing—the same agency behind past international winners Parasite and Drive My Car. Magellan is also set to screen at the Toronto and New York Film Festivals before its Philippine theatrical release on September 10.
The 98th Academy Awards will take place on March 15, 2026.
Visit PalabasTayo.com for more stories on film, TV, music, theater, art, fashion, food and other general lifestyle and entertainment stories like this. You may also follow and subscribe to our social media accounts: Facebook, YouTube, Instagram, TikTok, X, and Kumu.
