Iran Selects Thriller "Cause of Death: Unknown" for Oscars' Best International Feature Category

Iran Picks 'Cause of Death: Unknown' as Best International Feature Submission for Oscars TEHRAN, IRAN - The Iranian government's official selection committee has chosen Ali Zarnegar's thriller "Cause of Death: Unknown" to represent the country in the best international feature category at the 2026 Academy Awards. The film, which premiered at the Shanghai Film Festival in 2023, follows a group of strangers traveling through Iran's Lut Desert when one of them suddenly dies under mysterious circumstances. According to sources close to the selection committee, "Cause of Death: Unknown" was chosen from among several other contenders due to its unique blend of drama and social commentary. The film's director, Ali Zarnegar, expressed his gratitude for the opportunity, stating, "I am honored that our film has been selected to represent Iran at the Oscars. We hope that it will bring attention to the beauty and complexity of Iranian culture." The film's plot revolves around a group of strangers who are forced to confront a moral dilemma when one of their own dies under unclear circumstances. As they search for answers, they uncover a web of secrets and lies that challenge their assumptions about each other and themselves. " Cause of Death: Unknown" has been praised by critics for its thought-provoking exploration of themes such as identity, morality, and the human condition. The film's cinematographer, Davood Malek Hosseini, won the best cinematography prize at the Shanghai Film Festival in 2023 for his work on the film. The selection committee's decision to choose "Cause of Death: Unknown" has been met with mixed reactions from industry insiders. Some have praised the choice as a bold and innovative move, while others have expressed concern that the film may not be well-known internationally. "The Oscars are a global event, and it's essential for Iranian filmmakers to reach a broader audience," said Farhad Tohidi, a prominent Iranian film critic. "While 'Cause of Death: Unknown' is an excellent film, its international profile is relatively low compared to other contenders." The 2026 Academy Awards will take place in February, with the best international feature category being one of the most competitive and highly anticipated categories. Iran's selection committee has stated that it will continue to promote "Cause of Death: Unknown" globally leading up to the awards ceremony. In related news, the Iranian government has announced plans to increase funding for film production and distribution in an effort to boost the country's presence at international film festivals and awards ceremonies. The move is seen as a strategic effort to promote Iranian culture and cinema on the global stage. The selection of "Cause of Death: Unknown" as Iran's best international feature submission marks a significant milestone for Iranian filmmakers, who have faced challenges in recent years due to economic sanctions and censorship. As the film prepares to compete against other international contenders, it remains to be seen whether it will bring home an Oscar or raise awareness about Iranian cinema on a global scale. *Reporting by Hollywoodreporter.*