An independent jury composed of professionals from the film industry has selected Coward as the official entry in the Best International Feature Film category for the forthcoming Oscars ceremony.
Screened in the official competition at the 2026 Cannes Film Festival, Coward was acclaimed by critics and earned its two lead actors, Emmanuel Macchia and Valentin Campagne, a joint Best Actor Award – a distinction that helped raise the film's profile on the international stage.
This Belgian director's third feature film is set on the front lines in the First World War and tells the story of the encounter between Pierre, a young soldier keen to prove himself, and Francis, who is tasked with organising shows to boost the troops' morale. Amidst the violence of the conflict, the two men form a bond that gives the film its profoundly human dimension.
After Girl and Close, which have already been selected to represent Belgium at the Oscars, Lukas Dhont has cemented his status as a leading figure in contemporary Belgian cinema. With this film, which blends historical drama with reflections on friendship, solidarity and courage, Belgium hopes to secure another nomination in the Best International Feature Film category.
Coward is set to be released in Belgium's cinemas on 21 October 2026.
