Four Arab films entered the Oscars preliminary shortlist (15 from 86): “The Voice of Hind Rajab” (Kothar Ben Hania, Tunisia), “What’s Left of You” (Sherine Douibis), “Palestine 36” (Anne-Marie Jasir), and “The President’s Cake” (Hassan Hadi, Iraq).
Shortlist announced January 22; ceremony March 15, 2026, in Los Angeles.

This marks the third time in five years a Kothar Ben Hania film competes, following “The Man Who Sold His Skin” and “Four Daughters.”