Entertainment

Belgium selects Lukas Dhont's World War I drama 'Coward' for the 99th Oscars

The film, which won acting honors at Cannes, will represent Belgium in the Best International Feature Film category.

Updated Aug 25, 2026 · 13:49 UTC2 reports

The short version

Belgium has selected Lukas Dhont's World War I drama "Coward" as its official entry for Best International Feature Film at the 99th Academy Awards.
The movie stars Emmanuel Macchia and Valentin Campagne as soldiers seeking escape from the war's horrors through intimacy and theatrical performance.
Mubi has acquired the film for multiple global territories and plans to release it in North American theaters on December 25, 2026.

Belgium chosen Lukas Dhont's "Coward" for the Best International Feature Film race at the 99th Academy Awards, marking the third time the country has submitted a film by Dhont.[The Hollywood Reporter · Variety]
The film premiered in competition at the Cannes Film Festival, where lead actors Emmanuel Macchia and Valentin Campagne won best acting honors.[The Hollywood Reporter · Variety]
Set on the Belgian front during World War I in 1916, the story follows Pierre, a soldier trying to survive, and Francis, an entertainer performing behind the lines to maintain morale.[The Hollywood Reporter · Variety]
Dhont's previous films include "Girl," which was submitted to the Oscars but did not get nominated, and "Close," which secured an Oscar nomination.[The Hollywood Reporter · Variety]
Mubi acquired the rights to "Coward" for major markets, including North America, the U.K., Italy, Spain, and Latin America.[The Hollywood Reporter · Variety]
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences will reveal the 15-film international shortlist on December 15, announce official nominees on January 21, 2027, and host the awards ceremony on March 14, 2027.[The Hollywood Reporter]