Movie fans are aware that “Magellan,” written and directed by Filipino filmmaker Lav Diaz, has been selected as the Philippines' official entry for the 98th Academy Awards, which will take place on March 16, 2026.

“Magellan” distinguished itself among acclaimed Filipino films, including “Green Bones,” “Sunshine,” “Food Delivery,” “Hello, Love, Again,” “Some Nights I Feel Like Walking,” and “Song of the Fireflies,” by being selected as an entry for the Oscars.

It is important to note that “Magellan” is not yet officially nominated for an Oscar; it is one of many international feature films aiming to be shortlisted for this prestigious award. There is still a significant journey ahead before it can achieve an official nomination.

Countries have until Oct. 1, 2025, to submit their entries for the Best International Feature Film category. A shortlist of 15 finalists is expected to be announced on Dec. 16, 2025, with the final five nominees revealed on Jan. 22, 2026.

An international feature film is defined as a feature-length motion picture (over 40 minutes) produced outside the United States with predominantly non-English dialogue (more than 50 percent). This category can include both animated and documentary films, according to an article by British magazine ScreenDaily.

So, what can the Filipino audience expect from “Magellan?” Currently showing in local cinemas nationwide, the film stars Mexican actor-director Gael García Bernal as the 16th-century Portuguese explorer Ferdinand Magellan, who sailed to the Malayan archipelago and became consumed with his quest for conquest, leading to various violent uprisings.

In April, Diaz revealed that his completed film centers on the theme of death. “It’s the nature of my culture. Filipinos are very violent. Magellan found that out—he came here, and they killed him.”

Diaz also mentioned, “Some festivals may only want to showcase a three-hour cut, so the producers make compromises to fit that format. But I will present the full version.” The theatrical release runs for two hours and 40 minutes.

“Magellan” has been in development for several years. The Portuguese production company Rosa Filmes first included it in their slate in 2019. The film is co-produced by Spain’s Andergraun Films, the Philippines' Black Cap Pictures, and Taiwan’s Volos Films.

Originally titled “Beatrice, The Wife,” the movie has been renamed “Magellan.” Diaz has shifted the focus from Magellan’s relationship with his wife, Beatrice, to include more perspectives from the conquered Malay people.

According to Variety, the film's extended centerpiece depicts a three-year voyage to the Malayan Archipelago that is marked by disease. During this journey, Magellan transforms into a sadistic and obsessive commander, leading a particularly ruthless campaign of conquest and Christian conversion in the Philippines. In this context, Raja Humabon, played by Ronnie Lazaro, a defiant tribal leader from the island of Cebu, orchestrates a clever counterattack against Magellan's forces.

In local history, Magellan, a Portuguese explorer, was the first European to make contact with the Philippines on March 16, 1521. He later died in the Battle of Mactan.

What are the chances of “Magellan” being shortlisted for the upcoming awards night? For the record, no Filipino film has ever been nominated for an Academy Award in its history, but hopes are high that “Magellan” will gain recognition.

Since “Magellan” debuted at the Cannes Film Festival in May, the movie has earned praise from film critics of various trade publications.

Variety described the movie as a “mesmerizing, myth-busting biopic,” while The Hollywood Reporter called the film “an exquisitely shot challenge of an arthouse epic.”

Screen Daily said “Magellan” was “handsomely mounted” and IndieWire portrayed the movie as “hypnotizing historical and spiritual epic.”

With Diaz’s impressive reputation as a celebrated director gracing prestigious international film festivals and Bernal commanding respect as a prominent figure in the vibrant Mexican film industry, it’s hard to imagine “Magellan” not earning an Oscar nomination. The film's artistic brilliance and its masterful collaboration could easily captivate the Academy’s discerning eye.

The prospect of “Magellan” securing a coveted spot on the Oscars shortlist hinges entirely on the strategic campaigning executed by its dedicated team. The Oscars is a world where ambition meets artistry, and the road to recognition is paved with relentless effort and financial investment. It requires a masterful blend of creativity and resources to market the film and capture the attention of voters effectively.

With luck, “Magellan” will garner the enthusiasm and backing it truly deserves, shining a spotlight on its unique vision and hard-fought journey.

(Robert R. Requintina is the Entertainment editor of Manila Bulletin)