For decades, the Academy Awards have largely reflected a distinctly American perspective, celebrating primarily U.S. Cinema and English-language films. But the landscape is evolving. A growing number of international films are earning nominations in major categories, signaling a potential shift in the Academy’s recognition of global storytelling. This year, the trend continues, with films like The Secret Agent, a Brazilian production, and Sentimental Value, a Norwegian entry, vying for top honors.
The increasing presence of non-English language films at the Oscars isn’t simply about a change in taste; it reflects a broader transformation within the Academy itself. The composition of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has undergone significant changes in recent years, becoming more diverse and inclusive. As of 2026, the Academy boasts over 11,000 members, a substantial increase from the approximately 5,800 in 2012, with a growing representation of international members – around 24% of its voting base now resides outside of the United States. This evolving electorate is demonstrably more open to recognizing cinematic excellence regardless of language.
A History of International Recognition
Historically, non-English language films faced an uphill battle for Oscar recognition. Throughout the 20th century, only six films not spoken in English competed for the Best Picture award. These included The Grand Illusion (French, 1938), Z (French, 1970), The Emigrants (Swedish, 1972), Cries and Whispers (Swedish, 1974), The Postman (Il Postino) (Italian and Spanish, 1996), and Life is Beautiful (Italian, 1999). However, the 21st century has seen a marked increase, with 15 films receiving nominations as of 2026, nearly tripling the previous century’s total. The landmark win for Bong Joon-ho’s Parasite in 2020, which took home Best Picture, proved that a non-English language film could not only compete but triumph.
The expansion of the Best Picture category to allow up to 10 nominees, beginning in 2010, has also contributed to this increased diversity. Recent years have showcased a strong international presence: Anatomy of a Fall (French), The Zone of Interest (German and other languages), and Past Lives (Korean) in 2024; and Still Here (Portuguese) and Emilia Pérez (Spanish) in 2025.
Wagner Moura Makes History for South America
This year, Brazilian actor Wagner Moura is making history as the first South American nominated for Best Actor, for his compelling performance in The Secret Agent. The film, set against the backdrop of Brazil’s 1977 military dictatorship, follows Armando, a scientist leading a double life. Moura’s nomination follows Fernanda Montenegro (nominated for Central Station in 1999) and her daughter, Fernanda Torres (nominated for Still Here last year), as the only other Brazilians to receive Oscar nominations in acting categories.
Moura’s achievement is particularly significant given the historical underrepresentation of South American actors on the Oscar stage. He joins a select group of actors who have received Oscar recognition for performances in non-English languages, including Sophia Loren (Italian, 1961), Roberto Benigni (Italian, 1999), Benicio del Toro (Spanish, 2001), Marion Cotillard (French, 2008), Youn Yuh-Jung (Korean, 2021), and Zoe Saldaña (Spanish, 2025).
A Legacy of Latin American Directors
The success of Latin American filmmakers at the Oscars is also noteworthy. Directors Alejandro González Iñárritu, Alfonso Cuarón, and Guillermo del Toro have collectively earned five Academy Awards for Best Director. Alfonso Cuarón broke new ground in 2019 by winning the award for his Spanish-language film, Roma, a deeply personal and autobiographical story.
While no Latin American director is nominated in 2026, the increasing recognition of international cinema suggests a continued openness to diverse voices and perspectives. The Danish director Joachim Trier is nominated for his drama Sentimental Value, and Chloé Zhao, a Chinese-American filmmaker, is nominated for her period piece Hamnet, which is spoken in English.
The growing international presence at the Oscars isn’t just about language; it’s about broadening the scope of storytelling and acknowledging the rich tapestry of global cinema. As the Academy continues to evolve, it’s likely we’ll spot even more non-English language films and performers vying for the industry’s highest honor.
What comes next for international cinema at the Oscars remains to be seen, but the current trajectory suggests a future where linguistic diversity is not an exception, but a celebrated norm. Share your thoughts on this evolving landscape in the comments below.
