The Oscars are the biggest night in film, and Malaysia is still waiting for its first nomination. We’ve sent some of our best work over the years, and the wait goes on.
Maybe this is the year that changes. Meet our newest contender: “The Fox King” (“Semusim Lara”)!
In an official statement released today (Tuesday, 29th September), the National Film Development Corporation Malaysia (FINAS) announced that the Malaysia-Indonesia drama will be our submission for the 99th Academy Awards in 2027. It will compete in Best International Feature, the category formerly known as Best Foreign Language Film.
Directed by Woo Ming Jin, the film stars Dian Sastrowardoyo as Lara, Idan Aedan as Ali, and Hadi Putra as Amir. The film tells a coming-of-age tale of two twins who share a telepathic bond and go everywhere together. When their father remarries a younger bride and leaves them behind, Ali and Amir have to fend for themselves. Then Lara walks into their lives as their new teacher, and the brothers’ bond faces its toughest test yet.
The film already has a strong track record. It premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival in September 2025, then screened at the Busan and Udine festivals. The project won the Mocha Chai Award at the QCinema Project Market in the Philippines during the script development phase. So, yes, it won an award before cameras were even rolling!
The film has been in Malaysian cinemas since 17th September, so hurry on and you can still catch it on the big screen while it’s screening.
Woo is no stranger to the world stage. He is a leading voice of the Malaysian New Wave, and the first Malaysian director to represent the country at Cannes, Berlinale, and Venice. His 2022 film “Stone Turtle” won the FIPRESCI Prize at the Locarno Film Festival.
Our last Oscar submission was “Pavane for an Infant” by Chong Keat Aun. Now it’s “The Fox King” and its team who carry our hopes.
Congratulations to everyone behind the film! May this be the one that finally gets Malaysia its first nomination in this category!
