Belgium selects Lukas Dhont’s ‘Coward’ for 2027 Oscar race

Belgium has chosen the film ‘Coward’, directed by Lukas Dhont, as its official entry for the Best International Feature Film category at the 99th Academy Awards. The film, which recently released its official trailer via MUBI, premiered at the Cannes Film Festival where actors Emmanuel Macchia and Valentin Campagne shared the Best Actor award.

Set during World War I in 1916, the drama follows Pierre, a young soldier seeking to prove his courage on the front lines. His perspective on the conflict shifts after meeting Francis, a man tasked with staging theatrical performances to boost troop morale. The two form a transformative romantic connection amidst the violence of the trenches.

This marks the third time Belgium has submitted a Dhont film for Oscar consideration, following ‘Girl’ (2018) and ‘Close’ (2022). ‘Coward’ is scheduled for theatrical release starting in December.