The Danish Oscar Committee has today selected the three films in contention to become Denmark’s official submission for a nomination in the International Feature Film category at the upcoming Academy Awards in Los Angeles.
The committee, comprising representatives from the Danish film industry and the Danish Film Institute, will meet again on 25 September to select the final candidate.
Tine Fischer, CEO of the Danish Film Institute and chair of the committee, says:
“The Danish Oscar Committee has selected the three films we consider the strongest candidates to represent Denmark in the race for the Academy Award for Best International Feature Film. What Lies Between Us’, ‘Home’ and ‘Woman Unknown’ have already generated considerable international interest. Together, they demonstrate the remarkable artistic ambition, range and global relevance of Danish cinema today. These are three profoundly different films, yet each possesses qualities that define the strongest contenders on the international awards stage: artistic courage, historical and thematic complexity, and a deeply human resonance that transcends borders. This year’s candidates give us every reason to believe that Danish cinema remains a powerful presence on the world stage.”
The final nominations for the 2027 Academy Awards will be announced on 21 January. The Academy Awards ceremony will take place on 14 March 2027 in Los Angeles.
About the three films
Woman Unknown
Copenhagen, May 1945. Marie is preparing for her summer wedding to an older, well-respected widower. For several years, she has worked as a live-in maid, caring for his daughter. Now, a new life finally seems within reach. But beneath the seemingly idyllic surface lies a secret that could shatter her dream. And the closer her shameful past comes to being exposed, the higher the price she is willing to pay. No one must know the truth.
‘Woman Unknown’ is directed by May el-Toukhy, whose previous film, ‘Queen of Hearts’, won the Audience Award at the prestigious Sundance Film Festival and both a Robert and a Bodil Award in Denmark. El-Toukhy has since directed episodes of the Emmy-winning series ‘The Crown’ and was most recently one of the initiators of Dogme25, launched during the Cannes Film Festival in 2025.
‘Woman Unknown’ has been selected for the main competition at the Venice Film Festival, where it will have its world premiere. It has also been selected for the Centrepiece programme at the Toronto International Film Festival and for the main competition at the BFI London Film Festival.
The screenplay is written by Maren Louise Käehne and May el-Toukhy. The film is produced by Mikael Christian Rieks for Nordisk Film and stars Mathilde Arcel and Carsten Bjørnlund.
‘Woman Unknown’ is supported by the Danish Film Institute and will be released in Danish cinemas on 4 February 2027.
What Lies Between Us
Amalie Næsby Fick’s ‘What Lies Between Us’ is set in a small suburban community shaken by an alleged sexual assault on a teenage boy, committed by two boys. When successful real estate agent Anne Sofie discovers that her son is more deeply involved than she first thought, she must protect him and the family’s reputation – whatever the cost.
This puts her on a direct collision course with her long-time friend Sara and a third mother, Ulrikke, in a struggle in which all three women fight to save themselves and their sons.
The screenplay is written by Sara Isabella Jønsson and Nikolaj Arcel. The film is produced by Louise Vesth for Zentropa and stars Sidse Babett Knudsen, Sofie Gråbøl and Asta August.
‘What Lies Between Us’ will have its world premiere in the Discovery programme at the Toronto International Film Festival. The film is supported by the Danish Film Institute and will be released in Danish cinemas on 24 September 2026.
Home
In 1991, the Balkan region is falling apart. Driven by the escalating situation, six-year-old Maja leaves for Denmark with her parents, leaving her two older brothers behind with the promise that the family will soon be reunited. But their encounter with the promised land of Denmark proves a difficult test for the small family – and not least for Maja, who watches in bewilderment as her parents desperately try to adapt to a completely new world with its strange rules and traditions.
‘Home’ is directed by Marijana Jankovic and produced by Mads August Grarup Hertz for Nordisk Film Production. The screenplay is written by Marijana Jankovic, Babak Vakili and Bo hr. Hansen. The film had its world premiere at the International Film Festival Rotterdam, where it screened in the Big Screen Competition.
‘Home’ is supported by the Danish Film Institute and was released in Danish cinemas on 13 May 2026.