Belgium has officially submitted Lukas Dhont’s latest film, Coward, as its entry for the International Feature Film category at the 99th Academy Awards, scheduled for March 2027. The announcement, made in September 2025, marks the third time the country has selected a Dhont film for Oscar consideration, following Girl (2018) and Close (2022).
Coward arrives with significant momentum, having won the Best Actor Prize at the 2025 Cannes Film Festival, awarded jointly to its leads Emmanuel Macchia and Valentin Campagne. The film continues Dhont’s exploration of masculinity and emotional repression, themes that have defined his critically acclaimed career.
A Three-Peat for Belgium’s Flagship Auteur
Lukas Dhont has become Belgium’s most-repeated Oscar submission director, a distinction that underscores his status as the country’s preeminent filmmaker on the international stage. His debut, Girl (2018), about a transgender ballet dancer, won the Caméra d’Or at Cannes and was Belgium’s submission that year, though it did not secure a nomination. His sophomore effort, Close (2022), earned the Grand Prix at Cannes and went on to be nominated for the International Feature Oscar. Now, with Coward, he completes a trifecta of Cannes prizewinners and Oscar submissions.
This consistent selection raises questions about Belgium’s film policy. Some observers might ask whether the national committee favors established auteurs over emerging voices. Yet Dhont’s track record—each film has premiered at Cannes and won a major prize—suggests the choices are merit-based. For comparison, France has repeatedly submitted films by Jacques Audiard, and Denmark has often turned to Thomas Vinterberg, indicating that relying on proven talent is a common strategy among countries seeking Oscar recognition.
The Shared Acting Prize: A Rare Honor
The Cannes Best Actor Prize was awarded jointly to Emmanuel Macchia and Valentin Campagne, a rare occurrence that highlights Coward‘s dual-lead structure. The film centers on two young male characters navigating themes of fear, identity, and cowardice, though specific plot details remain limited in public reporting. This performance-driven focus could resonate with Academy voters, who historically reward actor showcases. The joint prize also signals that the film’s emotional core rests on the chemistry between its leads—a factor that might be emphasized in the Oscar campaign.
Thematic Positioning and Cultural Resonance
If Coward continues Dhont’s exploration of masculinity and emotional repression—as seen in Close, which delved into the friendship between two teenage boys and a subsequent tragedy—it may tap into current conversations about men’s mental health and toxic masculinity. The film’s title itself is provocative, suggesting a confrontational examination of cowardice that could be read politically or personally. Early festival coverage describes a drama that challenges conventional notions of strength and vulnerability.
This thematic angle could give Coward an edge in a category where films often stand out for their social relevance. However, it remains to be seen how the Academy’s international branch, which has its own distinct tastes, will receive the film.
Awards Strategy and Early Announcement
Belgium’s selection was announced in September 2025, relatively early in the awards season. Early announcements can generate momentum and increase festival visibility, a tactic that has worked for other countries. The film’s distributor will need a robust campaign to secure a spot on the shortlist—typically 15 films announced in December—and ultimately a nomination among the five finalists in January.
While Cannes prizes signal critical acclaim, they do not guarantee Oscar success. Close was nominated; Girl was not. The Academy’s international branch has historically favored films with strong narratives and emotional impact, and Coward will need to stand out in a field of 80–100 country submissions.
Belgium’s Oscar History
Belgium has been submitting films to the International Feature category since 1967 and has received seven nominations but has never won. Notable past submissions include The Broken Circle Breakdown (2013) and Bullhead (2011), both nominated. Dhont’s consistent presence in the race positions him as a potential future winner for the country, should Coward or a subsequent film break through.
As the 99th Academy Awards approach, all eyes will be on Coward and whether it can replicate the success of Close. With its Cannes pedigree, thematic depth, and performance-driven narrative, it has the ingredients to make a strong run—but the path to the Oscar is never straightforward.
Belgium’s selection of Coward reaffirms Lukas Dhont’s place as a leading voice in European cinema. With a Cannes acting prize and a proven track record, the film enters the International Feature race with strong credentials. Whether it will join Close in the nomination circle remains to be seen, but Dhont’s growing reputation ensures that Coward will be a title to watch.
Summary
- Belgium has submitted Lukas Dhont’s Coward for the International Feature Oscar, marking his third submission.
- Coward won the Best Actor Prize at Cannes 2025, shared by leads Emmanuel Macchia and Valentin Campagne.
- Dhont’s previous submissions: Girl (2018) and Close (2022, nominated).
- The film continues Dhont’s exploration of masculinity and emotional repression.
- The 99th Oscars are set for March 2027; the shortlist is expected in December.
FAQ
Q: What is Coward about?
A: Coward is a drama exploring themes of masculinity, fear, and identity, centered on two young male characters. Specific plot details remain limited.
Q: Has Lukas Dhont been nominated for an Oscar before?
A: Yes, his film Close was nominated for Best International Feature at the 95th Academy Awards.
Q: Why is the Cannes Best Actor Prize significant?
A: It was awarded jointly to both leads, a rare occurrence that highlights the film’s dual-lead structure and performance-driven nature.
Q: When will the Oscar nominations be announced?
A: The shortlist (typically 15 films) is usually announced in December, with nominations in January.
Q: Has Belgium ever won the International Feature Oscar?
A: No, Belgium has received seven nominations but has never won the category.
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