BALINALE ANNOUNCES TWO WINNERS SHORTLISTED FOR THE 2026 OSCARS

Bali, Indonesia, 19 December 2025 – The Bali International Film Festival (Balinale), in its first year as an Academy-Awards® qualifying festival, has achieved an impressive milestone with two of its 2025 winning films being officially shortlisted by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences® (AMPAS) for the 2026 Oscars®, as of 16 December 2025!

The first film is “The Boy with White Skin” directed by Simon Panay (France) for Best Live-Action Short Film, where, entrusted by his father to a group of gold-miners, an albino child embodies all of their hopes. Full film information here.

The second is “Retirement Plan” directed by John Kelly (Ireland) for Best Animated Short Film, the story of Ray as he fantasises about everything he’d love to do in retirement, once he finally has the “time.” Full film information here. Official Oscar® Shortlist here.

The other films that were under Oscar® consideration were “Amal | Hope”, directed by Eros Zhao (USA) winner of Balinale 2025 Best Short Documentary; Official Selection “12 Inch Pianist” by Lucas Ansel (USA), 52nd Student Academy Award winner, and Balinale 2024 Official Selection “The Professional Parent” by Erik Jasan (Slovakia).

The Academy will announce on 22 January 2026 the five nominated films under the short film category that will go on to the final Oscar® competition. There are a total number of 24 categories in competition, with the winners announced on 15 March 2026.

As the first and only Academy Awards®-qualifying festival in Indonesia, Balinale
offers a unique platform to showcase films that celebrate stories from Indonesia and worldwide. It also provides filmmakers with a proven outlet to gain recognition, find new opportunities, and obtain a broader audience.

Balinale 2026 will hold its landmark 19th edition in Sanur, a vibrant destination for both local and international culture. The extended programming is set to elevate its standing as a world-class festival through events that highlight film, creativity, and community, with a focus on further strengthening the Indonesian creative industries and opportunities for investment. Balinale has been dedicated to discovering unique voices, championing independent cinema, and building strategic partnerships that enhance the festival’s presence on the global stage.

Balinale submissions for all categories are now open on FilmFreeway. The final deadline is 15 March 2026.