Oscars: Thailand Picks ‘9 Temples to Heaven’ as Best Int’l Feature Submission
Produced by Palme d'Or winner Apichatpong Weerasethakul, the comic but spiritual road movie debuted in Cannes in May and will make its North American premiere at the New York Film Festival this fall.
The National Federation of Motion Pictures and Contents Associations in Thailand has chosen "9 Temples to Heaven" as its entry for the Best International Feature Film category at the upcoming 99th Academy Awards. A selection committee comprising film directors, producers, distributors, and cinema operators vetted 51 Thai films based on eligibility criteria such as production outside the US, a theatrical release lasting over 40 minutes, and screening in the country for at least seven consecutive days between October 2025 and September 2026.
After multiple rounds of deliberation, "9 Temples to Heaven" directed by Sompot Chidgasornpongse was selected. The film revolves around a middle-aged man searching for ways to prolong his mother's life after a prediction claims she may pass away before his birthday. Along with his mother and eight family members, he embarks on a pilgrimage to visit nine temples in hopes of averting misfortune and granting her a longer life.
The film, which premiered internationally at the 79th Cannes Film Festival in May 2026, has received critical acclaim, winning awards for Best Director and Best Actor at the Shanghai International Film Festival and the 2026 New Zealand International Film Festival. Following its international circuit, "9 Temples to Heaven" is set to open the Bangkok International Film Festival on September 13 and achieve a nationwide theatrical release on September 17.
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- ‘9 Temples to Heaven’ named Thailand’s Oscar submission thethaiger.com
