Argentina Taps "Belén" for Oscar Race

Argentina’s Academy of Cinematographic Arts & Sciences has selected actress-helmer Dolores Fonzi’s events-inspired drama “Belén” to represent the country at the 98th Academy Awards and Spain’s Goyas.

Currently competing for the San Sebastian Film Festival’s top honor, the Golden Shell, “Belén” received a seven-minute standing ovation at its packed world premiere at the festival on September 23.

Fonzi’s second directorial outing tells the gripping story of Julieta, a young woman imprisoned after suffering a miscarriage, and Soledad Deza (portrayed by Fonzi herself), the courageous lawyer who dares to fight for justice in this deeply controversial and high-stakes case.

The real Deza was in San Sebastian for the world premiere.

Produced by Amazon MGM Studios and K&S Films, the Oscar-nominated studio behind “Wild Tales” and Netflix global hit “The Eternaut,” “Belén” is set in Tucumán, one of Argentina’s traditionally conservative provinces, where Julieta’s trial emerges as a turning point in the struggle for women’s rights. Her case — along with others like Belén’s — played a crucial role in shaping the country’s laws on reproductive rights. She was referred to as Belén to keep her real identity secret.

“These nominations aren’t just a recognition of our film – they’re a tribute to the voices we chose to center. We told a story that was honest, unfiltered and deeply personal, and the fact that it resonated so widely means everything. It’s a powerful reminder that when you put the audience first and honor the heart of local storytelling, the world listens,” said Javiera Balmaceda, Head of International Originals, Amazon MGM Studios, Latin America, Canada and Australia.

The other contenders for the Oscar honor were Hernán Rosselli’s family drama “Algo viejo, algo nuevo, algo prestado,” Benjamín Ávila’s thriller “The Woman in the Line” (“La Mujer de la fila”) and Mariano Cohn and Gastón Duprat’s comedy “Homo Argentum.”

Cristian Tapia Marchiori’s suspense thriller “Gatillero,” “The Woman in the Line,” and “Homo Argentum” were in contention to represent Argentina at the Goyas.

This is Fonzi’s second time at San Sebastián with a film she directed. Her directorial feature debut, “Blondi,” produced by Santiago Mitre and Agustina Llambi Campbell’s La Unión de los Rios, also had its world premiere at the fest, which coincidentally opened this edition with another film produced by La Unión, Daniel Hendler’s “27 Nights.”

The Oscar international feature shortlist will be unveiled on December 16 while the final five nominees will be announced on January 22.

The 98th Academy Awards take place on March 15, 2026 while Spain’s Spanish Academy Goyas are on February 28 next year.