The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has officially opened its Oscars submissions portal, inviting producers and studios to directly upload streaming assets to the Academy Screening Room. Filmmakers and studios can now initiate the entry process for the upcoming 98th Academy Awards. Specific deadlines are in place: films released between January 1 and June 30 must be submitted by September 10, 5 p.m. PT, while those released between July 1 and December 31 have a deadline of November 13, 5 p.m. PT. To finalize a General Entry/Feature Film submission, the Academy mandates the receipt of both a signed Oscars Submission Form and a complete copy of the screen credits by the stated deadline. A new requirement for this year dictates that every credited producer, including anyone with a “producer” or “produced by” credit, must sign the General Entry form. This change is aimed at ensuring all parties are fully aware of eligibility criteria and potential award recipient designations, a measure likely influenced by the “Nominees to be Determined” instances seen in last year’s best picture category. Apart from best picture, distinct entry requirements and deadlines apply to categories such as animated feature, animated short, documentary feature, documentary short, international feature, live action short, original score, original song, and visual effects. Studios and independent producers are advised to plan meticulously, as late or incomplete submissions will not be accepted. The Academy Screening Room’s streaming upload option is designed to facilitate viewing for Academy voters, who depend on secure digital access to screen submitted entries.

In the realm of international submissions, Turkey has selected first-time director Murat Firatoğlu’s “One of Those Days When Hemme Dies” as its official entry for the Academy Awards’ international feature film category. The film was chosen from 14 submissions by Turkey’s Oscar committee, which comprises representatives from professional associations within the country’s film industry. “One of Those Days When Hemme Dies” delves into class-based rage and rebellion through the narrative of Eyüp, a farmworker driven to settle a debt while toiling during a tomato harvest in southeastern Turkey. Following a conflict with his supervisor, he embarks on a quest for a radical solution in the city. The film had its world premiere at last year’s Venice Film Festival, where it earned the special jury prize in the Orizzonti section. It also secured the best film award at Turkey’s Adana Golden Boll Film Festival and swept best film, director, and screenplay prizes at the 57th Turkish Film Critics Association Awards. Firatoğlu noted that the film highlights the increasing polarization in Turkish society between affluent investors and the impoverished working class, a global issue. Firatoğlu, who is also a lawyer, self-produced the film, which is being distributed internationally by Paris-based Luxbox.

Similarly, Annemarie Jacir’s drama “Palestine 36” has been chosen as Palestine’s official entry for the international feature film race. This timely film reconstructs the Palestinian revolt against British colonial rule in 1936 and is set to premiere at the Toronto Film Festival. Its selection was confirmed by the Palestinian Ministry of Culture, based on the recommendation of an independent committee of Palestinian film professionals. “Palestine 36” follows Yusuf, a young man entangled in political turmoil as tensions escalate in Jerusalem and his village amidst British crackdowns, fueled by the arrival of Jewish immigrants fleeing antisemitism in Europe. The epic features a high-profile cast including Jeremy Irons, Hiam Abbas, Liam Cunningham, and Saleh Bakri. Production of “Palestine 36” faced significant challenges due to the Israel-Hamas War, which broke out on October 7, 2023, just one week before principal photography was scheduled to begin in Bethlehem. Production was initially halted and subsequently commenced in Jordan before returning for additional shooting in Palestine. International sales are handled by France’s mk2 films and Lucky Number, with Mad Solutions holding MENA region rights. “Palestine 36” is produced by Ossama Bawardi and Azzam Fakhriddin for Philistine Films, with additional backing from numerous international production companies and funds. This marks Palestine’s 18th Oscar submission, and the fourth directed by Jacir, following “Wajib” (2018), “When I Saw You” (2013), and “Salt of This Sea” (2009). Palestine has previously received two nominations in the category for films directed by Hany Abu-Assad: “Paradise Now” (2006) and “Omar” (2014). The Oscar international feature shortlist is scheduled to be announced on December 16, with the final five nominees to be revealed on January 22.