# Cuba's Academy Award submission selection

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/cubas-academy-award-submission-selection
> Updated: 2026-09-28T20:40:54.000Z. Sources: 4. Developments: 2.

Cuba has selected the film ‘Malecón’, directed by Carlos Larrazábal, as its official entry for the Best International Feature Film category at the 99th Academy Awards. This selection marks the country’s return to the Oscar race following a two-year absence.

A co-production involving Cuba, Spain, and the United States, the drama was filmed on location in Havana. The narrative follows Elvis, an ex-convict who must navigate Havana’s underground economy and the complexities of prostitution while deciding whether to stay in his homeland or seek a new life in the United States. The film’s title refers to the iconic Havana sea wall, which serves as a symbol of the city and the nation’s immigration processes.

## Timeline

### 2026-09-28: Malecón selected as Cuba's candidate for the Oscars

The film ‘Malecón’, directed by Carlos Larrazábal, has been chosen as Cuba’s official candidate for the Best International Feature Film at the upcoming Academy Awards.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/malecn-selected-as-cubas-candidate-for-the-oscars

### 2026-09-25: Cuba selects ‘Malecón’ for Academy Award international feature race

Cuba has selected ‘Malecón’, directed by Carlos Larrazábal, as its official submission for Best International Feature Film at the 99th Academy Awards.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/cuba-selects-malecn-for-academy-award-international-feature-race

---
Cite as: Cuba's Academy Award submission selection. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/cubas-academy-award-submission-selection