Iraqi film makes to historic Oscar 2026 shortlist

BAGHDAD, Iraq (MNTV) — Iraqi cinema marked a historic achievement after The President’s Cake was named to the Academy Awards 2026 shortlist for International Feature Film, the first Iraqi production to advance to this stage of the Oscars.

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences announced a shortlist of 15 films selected from more than 90 international submissions, placing the Iraqi entry among a small group of global contenders.

Written and directed by Hasan Hadi in his feature-length debut, The President’s Cake is a 2025 film set in Iraq during the 1990s, a decade defined by international sanctions, economic hardship, and authoritarian governance.

The story follows Lamia, a nine-year-old schoolgirl tasked with collecting ingredients for a birthday cake celebrating the country’s ruler. The seemingly routine assignment quickly evolves into a challenging journey through neighborhoods marked by shortages, hunger, and insecurity.

As Lamia searches for basic items such as flour, eggs, and sugar, the film portrays the daily struggles of ordinary families living under sanctions, illustrating how political authority and poverty intersect in everyday life. Told through a child’s perspective, the narrative emphasizes endurance and quiet resilience.

Following the announcement, members of the film’s creative team described the shortlist placement as a landmark moment for Iraqi filmmaking, noting that no Iraqi narrative feature had previously progressed this far in the Academy Awards competition.

The recognition is expected to expand the film’s international reach and draw greater attention to Iraqi cinema, highlighting a new generation of filmmakers presenting Iraq’s stories to global audiences.