The Busan International Film Festival has been included in a newly expanded eligibility pathway for the Academy Award for International Feature Film, marking a major step for Asian cinema on the global awards stage. The winner of BIFF’s Busan Award – Best Film Award, the top prize of the festival’s Competition section, will now be eligible for submission to the Academy Awards under the revised rules announced by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.
The change places BIFF alongside some of the most prestigious festivals in the world, including Cannes, Berlin, Venice, Sundance, and Toronto. More significantly, BIFF becomes the only Asian film festival included in this new pathway, further strengthening its position as one of the most important platforms for Asian cinema internationally.
Under the revised Academy rules for the 99th Academy Awards, films that win designated top awards at six international festivals may now access a separate eligibility route for the International Feature Film category. These awards include the Palme d’Or at Cannes, the Golden Bear at Berlin, the Golden Lion at Venice, the World Cinema Grand Jury Prize at Sundance, the Platform Award at Toronto, and the Busan Award – Best Film Award at BIFF.
This means that the winner of BIFF’s Competition Best Film Award may be submitted for consideration in the International Feature Film category independently of the official country or regional submission process, provided that it meets the Academy’s eligibility, theatrical release, and submission requirements.
The decision is particularly significant for films from countries or regions where political circumstances, censorship, or limitations on freedom of expression may affect the official selection process. By creating an additional route through major festival recognition, the Academy’s revised rules offer acclaimed works a broader opportunity to be considered on the basis of their artistic achievement and international impact.
The Academy has also revised the crediting structure of the International Feature Film category. From now on, the film itself, rather than the country or region, will be credited as the nominee. If the film wins, the Oscar will be accepted by the director on behalf of the creative team, while the statuette plaque will list the title, the director’s name, and, where applicable, the country or region.
The rule change follows BIFF’s recent inclusion on the FIAPF A-list, granted by the International Federation of Film Producers Associations to 17 festivals worldwide. Since launching its Competition section last year, BIFF has continued to expand its role as a gateway for Asian cinema to reach the international stage.
The 31st Busan International Film Festival will take place from October 6 to October 15 around the Busan Cinema Center. Submissions for this year’s Official Selection will close on June 2 for short films and July 8 for feature films. Further details on eligibility and submission procedures are available on the official BIFF website.
