With both films looking to also represent the country in the prestigious award-giving body for motion pictures.
In a statement, the Film Academy of the Philippines announced that it will be extending its support to the respective campaigns of the Filipino movies 58th and Agapito, who are looking to be considered in their respective categories for the 99th Academy Awards.
“The Oscars should see more of Philippine cinema, and Pinoy Oscars Pursuit is our effort to make that happen. We are proud to support 58th and Agapito as they bring their stories, their craft, and their distinct Filipino voices to the Academy,” Director General Paolo Villaluna said in a statement.
Carl Joseph Papa’s 58th will be supported for consideration in the Best Documentary Feature Film category.
The animated documentary directed recounts the 2009 Maguindanao Massacre through the story of Reynafe Castillo, whose father, photojournalist Reynaldo “Bebot” Momay, was among those killed in the massacre but whose remains were never recovered.
Meanwhile, Arvin Belarmino and Kyla Danelle Romero’s Agapito will be supported for consideration in the Best Live Action Short Film category.
The film follows Mira, a senior pin setter at a fading duckpin bowling alley, and her monthly visits with her brother Junior.
Also last September 13, the Film Academy of the Philippines formally announced that Filipiñana was selected as the country’s official entry for the Best International Feature Film category of the 99th Academy Awards.
In previous years, the Philippines has also submitted entries to the said award category, with the three most recent being Iti Mapukpukaw (2024), And So It Begins (2025), and Magellan (2026). However, neither of the movies landed a spot in the official list of nominees.
As per the schedule provided by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, the shortlist comprising 15 films in said category will be announced on Decemeber 15, followed by the five nominees on January 21, 2027.
The 99th Academy Awards ceremony, meanwhile, will take place on March 14, 2027 at Dolby Theater in Hollywood in Los Angeles, California.
Meanwhile, earlier in the week, Australia announced the Philippine-Australian film First Light, which is top-billed by Ruby Ruiz and Maricel Soriano, as theur entry to the same category.
