The Vietnamese film Red Rain has been officially included in the list of eligible entries for Best International Feature Film at the 98th Academy Awards, as announced by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS) on November 21.

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The film Red Rain qualifies for Oscar competition.

This marks a significant step for Red Rain as it continues its journey in the Oscar race. The next stage will involve voting to determine the Top 15 shortlisted films. Preliminary voting will take place from December 8 to 12, and the shortlist will be revealed on December 16. Final nominations are expected to be announced on January 22, 2026.

Earlier, on September 30, the Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism selected Red Rain as Vietnam’s official submission to the Oscars. The film’s application was prepared meticulously to comply with AMPAS regulations.

Directed by Meritorious Artist Dang Thai Huyen, Red Rain is adapted from a script by renowned writer Chu Lai. The film revisits the summer of 1972, depicting the fierce battle for control of Quang Tri Citadel, a strategic turning point during the war. Faced with defeat, U.S. and South Vietnamese forces launched a brutal counteroffensive in hopes of shifting momentum at the international negotiating table.

Upon its August release, Red Rain quickly became a box-office phenomenon, grossing more than 700 billion VND (approx. 28.5 million USD), setting a new record for Vietnamese cinema.

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Director Dang Thai Huyen of Red Rain.

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The cast and crew of Red Rain attend the opening ceremony of the 2025 Vietnam Film Festival.

According to Vietnam’s Department of Cinema, the film’s inclusion in the list of 86 international entries not only reflects the growing stature of Vietnamese filmmaking but also underscores Southeast Asia’s emerging presence at the Oscars.

“This is a significant achievement - not just for the film but for Vietnamese cinema as a whole - demonstrating the industry’s progress in integration, cultural promotion, and artistic expression on the world stage,” a department representative stated.

The 98th Academy Awards will be held on March 15, 2026, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles and broadcast across more than 200 countries and territories.

Tuan Chieu