Four films funded by the German Film Foundation are currently in the running for the 2026 Oscar shortlist

Visar Morina’s funded drama“Of Shame and Money” is in the running for the coveted Oscar on behalf of Germany. Due to new regulations from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, the moving film has already qualified for submission by winning the CineMasters Award at the Sundance Film Festival. The film was produced by Vicky Bane in co-production with Schuldenberg Films, Eagle Eye Production, and On Film Production. “Of Shame and Money” opens in German theaters on September 24 via eksytent Distribution. As early as 2022, director and screenwriter Visar Morina was awarded the Baumi Award ex aequo for his compelling treatment.

Representing Hungary in the Oscar race is Ildikó Endeyi’s“Silent Friend.” At the heart of this poetic work is a ginkgo tree that has been a silent witness and observer of profound changes in the lives of three people for over a century. The film celebrated its world premiere at the Venice Film Festival, where it won a total of six awards. Pandora Film produced “Silent Friend” in co-production with Galatée Films andInforg–M&M Film. Pandora Medien brought the film to German theaters. As a guest juror for the 2022 Baumi Awards, Endeyi presented the award for Best Screenplay to Visar Morina’s “Of Shame and Money.”

Representing Nepal in the selection is Abinash Bikram Shah’s feature film debut,“Elephants in the Fog.” The film premiered at the 79th Cannes Film Festival in the Un Certain Regard section, where it won the Jury Prize. The film was produced as a German-led co-production by zischlermann filmproduktion in collaboration with Cologne-based Die Gesellschaft DGS, Les Valseurs, and Anup Poudel, with broadcasting participation fromZDF/Arte. Best Friend Forever has taken on worldwide distribution.

Representing Austria in the race for Best International Feature Film is Markus Schleinzer’s drama“Rose,” set in early 17th-century Germany following the Thirty Years’ War. The story follows Rose, a single woman struggling to survive in a changing society. Lead actress Sandra Hüller was awarded the Silver Bear for her performance at this year’s Berlinale. The production by ROW Pictures, in co-production with Schubert, is also supported by the German Film Fund.

The Oscar shortlist will be announced on December 15, and the Oscar nominations on January 21, 2027. The 99th Academy Awards ceremony will take place on March 14, 2027.