Overview
- The Fachverband der Film- und Musikwirtschaft convened an independent jury that chose Markus Schleinzer’s Rose as Austria’s official submission for Best International Film, a decision announced on Friday, August 14, 2026.
- Rose beat domestic contenders Gentle Monster by Marie Kreutzer and Vier minus Drei by Adrian Goiginger for the single national slot that makes a film eligible for Academy consideration.
- The film stars Sandra Hüller as a woman who disguises herself as a soldier in 17th-century Germany, and the jury praised the movie’s striking black-and-white visuals and precise direction.
- Hüller’s recent Berlinale Silver Bear and prior Oscar visibility are seen by the filmmakers as assets for campaigning, and the production team says it will pursue an active international push toward the Academy’s December shortlist and January nominations.
- Next formal steps on the road to the 99th Academy Awards are the mid-December 2026 shortlists, the January 2027 nominations, and the ceremony on March 14, 2027, milestones that will determine whether Rose advances from national entry to nominee.