The National Film and Video Foundation (NFVF), an agency of the Department of Sports, Arts and Culture is officially recognized by the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences to make submissions on behalf of the South African film industry. The NFVF is also responsible for assembling the Selection Committee, whose main task is to judge all the entries submitted; and select the one feature film that will represent South Africa at the Oscars.
The NFVF is extending a call to all South African film practitioners to submit nominations of key industry specialists in the film sector to be the official South African Academy Selection Committee for 2026. Nominees must have a minimum of 10 years’ experience and specialised skills set competency in behind and front of camera work in the film industry to form part of the 99th Annual Academy Awards (Oscars) selection committee. The committee will seek a balance with respect to age, gender, experience, ethnicity, and industry skill. The committee will be accountable to choose one film as the country’s official submission for the International Feature Film Award.
Committee Criteria:
Per the rules for the International Feature Film category for the 99th Academy Awards (99th_oscars_complete_rules.pdf):
Each country or region shall be invited to submit its best film to the Academy. Selection of that film shall be made by one approved organization, jury or committee, of which at least 50% must include artists and/or craftspeople from the field of motion pictures.
- Committees must be formed with the majority participation of filmmakers.
- Committees must have a minimum of five members (including the chairperson of the committee). There is no maximum number of members that can serve.
- All committee members must be citizens, residents, or individuals with refugee or asylum status of the representing country or region.
- Committee members cannot have a professional relationship with a film that is considered for official selection.
Important information regarding the Selection Committee as per The Academy Requirements:
- Selection committee members (including the chairperson) can serve for six years consecutively and or cumulatively.
- After six years, selection committee members (including the chairperson) are required to take a two -year hiatus.
- After the two years has been completed, the selection committee members may return again.
It is envisaged that the judging process will take between 3 and 5 days; informed by the number of entries received.
Submissions to be sent to staceyl@nfvf.co.za by the 16 July 2026 and must be accompanied by a CV and profile of the nominated candidate.