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Cyprus Makes Historic Oscar Debut
28 Sep
Summary
- Cyprus submits its first film, 'Hold Onto Me,' for Oscar consideration.
- The film previously won an award at the Sundance Film Festival.
- Submissions for the Best International Feature category close soon.
Cyprus is set to make its historic debut in the Best International Feature category at the 99th Academy Awards. The nation's inaugural submission is "Hold Onto Me," directed by Myrsini Aristidou. This film previously earned accolades, including the World Cinema Dramatic Audience Award at the Sundance Film Festival in 2026.
The film centers on a young girl named Iris who reconnects with her estranged father, Aris, after a difficult period. Director Aristidou expressed pride and gratitude for the opportunity to represent Cyprus, emphasizing the film's universal themes of human connection in a fractured world. She acknowledged entering the race as an underdog.
Submissions for the Best International Feature category are due by Wednesday, September 30, 2026. Preliminary voting for shortlisted categories will occur from December 7-11, with the official shortlists announced on December 15. The 99th Academy Awards ceremony is scheduled for Sunday, March 14, 2027, with nominations announced on January 21, 2027.
