The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism approved the selection of the film Buy measured (Red Rain) by director Ðang Thái Huyên as a representative work of Vietnam in the 98e Oscar ceremony.
>> Vietnamese cinema conquers national and foreign film buffs
>> Vietnamese film: valorization of identity and international integration
| Buy measured wins the Golden Lotus on 24e Vietnamese Film Festival in Ho Chi Minh City. |
| Photo : CTV/CVN |
According to the Film Department, Vietnam’s Oscar application was prepared comprehensively and in compliance with regulations, ensuring a strict process for the film to be accepted into the official list.
On November 21, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences of the United States (AMPAS) announced the works meeting the criteria to advance to official voting in three categories: Best Documentary Film, Best Animated Film, and Best International Film.
In this year’s “Best International Film” category, Buy measured appears alongside 85 other productions, illustrating the rise of cinematography in developing countries. The Vietnamese Selection Board evaluated the works broadcast in the country according to the regulations of the Oscars, their artistic value, their cultural elements and their capacity for national representation. Buy measured was chosen for its authenticity, depth and impact on national audiences.
The Cinema Department then prepared all the required documents: official form, property rights, copy of the film meeting technical standards, subtitles and English translation, photos, poster and presentation file. The copy was uploaded to the Academy Screening Room platform, used by AMPAS members to view, rate and vote. Regular exchanges with the Academy made it possible to adjust the technical details and ensure full compliance of the file.
 |
| Scenes from the film Red rain. |
| Photos : CTV/CVN |
This year, Southeast Asia is particularly represented with four films from Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines and Singapore. These works, which include A Wife from the Future, Pavane for an Infant, Magellan et Stranger Eyesdemonstrate the strong competitiveness of cinemas in the region.
The representative of Thailand was not included in the official list this year. The presence of Buy measured among the 86 films selected helps to strengthen the region’s image at the Oscars.
 |
For Vietnam, this selection marks a major step forward on the most prestigious global cinema scene, and also recognizes the careful and rigorous preparation of the national cinematographic sector throughout the file submission process.
Produced by the People’s Army Cinema, Buy measured retraces the 81 days of combat to defend the citadel of Quang Tri (Center).
With a large-scale reconstruction, a large cast and a narrative rich in emotion, the film has established itself as one of the most memorable works of the year. Released on September 2 for National Day, it reached more than 700 billion dong in revenue, becoming the highest-grossing Vietnamese film of all time. The work captivates with its authentic imagery, its vibrant music and its sustained rhythm, giving this historical fresco the power to move and unite spectators from all generations.
 |
| Mua đo’s presence in the first round of the 2026 Oscars constitutes an essential springboard for the future of Vietnamese cinema. |
| Photos : CTV/CVN |
The Cinema Department emphasizes that this selection illustrates the meticulous preparation and desire for international integration of the sector. This is a positive sign not only for the film team, but also for the entire industry in its efforts to promote the culture and image of Vietnam through cinematic language. The presence of Buy measured in the first round of the 2026 Oscars constitutes an essential springboard for the future of Vietnamese cinema, called to assert itself further on major world stages.
According to the AMPAS schedule, the preliminary voting to establish the shortlist of 15 works in the “International Film” category will take place from December 8 to 12, before the official announcement on December 16. The final nominations for the 98th edition of the Oscars will be revealed on January 22, 2026, and the ceremony will be held on March 15 at the Dolby Theater, broadcast live on the ABC channel.
Nguyen Thanh/CVN
