Italy Selects Francesco Costabile's Haunting Drama "Familia" for 2026 Oscar Bid

Italy Chooses Francesco Costabile's Dark Melodrama 'Familia' as Its Oscar Candidate Rome, Italy - Francesco Costabile's dark melodrama "Familia" has been selected by the Italian National Film Commission as the country's candidate for the best international feature film category of the 2026 Academy Awards. The decision was announced on September 22, 2025. According to sources close to the commission, "Familia" was chosen from a pool of 24 titles that were submitted for consideration. The film, which premiered at the Venice Film Festival in 2024, has been praised for its thought-provoking blend of psychological thriller and social commentary. "Familia is a powerful and haunting film that explores themes of family dynamics and the human condition," said Alessandro Gassman, president of the Italian National Film Commission. "We believe it has the potential to resonate with audiences around the world and are confident in its chances at the Oscars." Costabile's film tells the story of a troubled family struggling to come to terms with their past and present. Shot on location in Italy, the film features a talented ensemble cast and has been praised for its atmospheric direction. The selection of "Familia" as Italy's Oscar candidate is seen as a surprise by some industry insiders, who had expected other films to be chosen. However, Gassman said that the commission was impressed by Costabile's unique vision and the film's ability to transcend cultural boundaries. "Familia is a film that speaks to universal themes and emotions," said Gassman. "We believe it has the potential to connect with audiences from all over the world and are excited to see how it will be received at the Oscars." The Italian National Film Commission has been working closely with Costabile and his team to prepare the film for its Oscar submission. The commission has also announced plans to hold a series of promotional events in major cities around the world to raise awareness about the film. "Familia" is set to compete against other international films in the best foreign language category at the 2026 Academy Awards, which are scheduled to take place on March 21, 2026. The winner will be announced during a live ceremony at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. In related news, Gianfranco Rosi's documentary "Below the Clouds" was also submitted for consideration by Italy, but it did not make the final cut. However, the film won the Special Jury Prize at Venice this year and has been praised by critics for its poignant portrayal of life on the margins. The selection of "Familia" as Italy's Oscar candidate is a significant development in the country's bid to win its first Academy Award since 1971. With the Oscars just over six months away, the film industry will be watching closely to see how "Familia" performs at the ceremony. *Reporting by Variety.*