Lav Diaz's 'Magellan' misses Oscars 2025 shortlist

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December 17, 2025 | 3:29pm

Gael Garcia Bernal in Lav Diaz's "Magellan"

Luxbox via Instagram

MANILA, Philippines — The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences released the shortlists for 12 categories in the upcoming 98th Academy Awards.

Filipinos were hoping that "Magellan", Lav Diaz's sprawling epic about the Portuguese explorer, would make the cut for the Best International Feature Film category.

The film starred Gael Garcia Bernal as the titular character and was begged by many to be the Philippines' best chance at the Oscars, even more than 2023 entry "Iti Mapukpukaw."

Unfortunately, the slump for Philippine entries at the Oscars continues as "Magellan" was not in the 15-film shortlist for that category.

Highlighting the International Film race are France's Palme d'Or winner "It Was Just An Accident", South Korea's "No Other Choice", Norway's "Sentimental Value", Brazil's "The Secret Agent" and Spain's "Sirât"—all of them distributed by Neon.

Seven of the 15 films in this category are directed by women, including Annemarie Jacir, who wrote and directed Palestine's entry "Palestine 36."

Making the most appearances in the shortlists were "Sinners" and "Wicked: For Good" with eight: Casting, Cinematography, Makeup and Hairstyling, Sound, Visual Effects, and two Original Song bets.

This is the first time the Academy has made a shortlist for Cinematography, meanwhile Casting is a brand new category and its inaugural shortlist includes nine films with female casting directors.

Nomination voting across all categories will be from January 12-16, with the final nominations to be announced on January 22.

The 98th Oscars will be on March 15, to be hosted once more by comedian Conan O'Brien.

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