# Poland Oscar selection for Fatherland

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/poland-oscar-selection-for-fatherland
> Updated: 2026-09-20T17:33:19.000Z. Sources: 18. Developments: 2.

Poland has selected Paweł Pawlikowski’s film ‘Ojczyzna’ (Fatherland) as its official entry for the Best International Feature Film category at the 99th Academy Awards. The selection was made unanimously by a nine-member commission appointed by the Polish Film Institute.

The black-and-white drama, which earned Pawlikowski a Best Director award at the Cannes Film Festival, is an international co-production involving Poland, Germany, Italy, and France. Set in 1949, the film follows German novelist Thomas Mann and his children. While the story focuses on German national trauma and is conducted in the German language, the production was primarily shot in Poland, with specific support and filming occurring in the Silesian region.

The choice has prompted debate among Polish audiences, as some critics have questioned selecting a film centered on German history and language. Despite this, the film has maintained high critical acclaim.

## Timeline

### 2026-09-20: Paweł Pawlikowski’s ‘Ojczyzna’ selected as Poland’s Oscar candidate

Paweł Pawlikowski’s film ‘Ojczyzna’ has been chosen as Poland’s official candidate for the Academy Award for Best International Feature Film.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/pawe-pawlikowskis-ojczyzna-selected-as-polands-oscar-candidate

### 2026-09-17: Poland selects Paweł Pawlikowski’s ‘Fatherland’ for Oscars

Poland has selected Paweł Pawlikowski’s ‘Fatherland’ for the Oscars 2027 international feature race, amid mixed reactions regarding its German-centric themes.

15 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/netflix-series-lalka-becomes-a-hit-in-poland

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Cite as: Poland Oscar selection for Fatherland. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/poland-oscar-selection-for-fatherland