Belgium selects Lukas Dhont’s ‘Coward’ for the Oscars

Belgium has selected Lukas Dhont’s latest film, ‘Coward’, as its official entry for the Best International Feature Film category at the 99th Academy Awards. The film, which Dhont co-wrote with Angelo Tijssens, is set during the First World War and follows a new soldier named Pierre and a comrade named Francis who attempts to boost troop morale through improvised theatrical shows.

‘Coward’ previously premiered in the Official Competition at the Cannes Film Festival, where lead actors Emmanuel Macchia and Valentin Campagne received the Best Actor award. The film has secured international distribution, with Mubi acquiring rights for several territories including North America, the United Kingdom, Italy, Spain, and Australia. In Belgium, the film is scheduled for a wide theatrical release on October 21, 2026.