Taipei: Taiwanese film “Left-Handed Girl” has been selected as one of the 15 films shortlisted for the Oscar for the best international feature film by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. The Academy released the list early Tuesday morning (Taipei time), selecting from films submitted by 86 countries or regions. These shortlisted films will now proceed to the next voting stage, where the final nominees will be announced on January 22, 2026.

According to Focus Taiwan, “Left-Handed Girl,” directed by Tsou Shih-ching and co-written by Oscar-winning filmmaker Sean Baker, is a coming-of-age drama that explores the journey of a left-handed girl confronting traditional patriarchal norms. The film’s recognition by the National Board of Review (NBR) as one of the top five international films in early December adds to its growing international acclaim since May.

The film has also garnered accolades from over 15 international film festivals, including prestigious events like the Cannes Film Festival, the Zurich Film Festival, and the Toronto International Film Festival. It notably won the best film award at the International Rome Film Fest in October. Tsou expressed her gratitude to her partners for their dedication, describing the shortlist as an important milestone. She hopes the film will showcase Taiwan on the global stage by offering a unique cultural perspective.

Culture Minister Li Yuan emphasized the film’s inclusion on the shortlist as a testament to Taiwan’s soft power and successful global promotion through storytelling that blends Taiwanese culture with universal emotions. He expressed confidence that “Left-Handed Girl” will be among the final nominees announced in January 2026.

Taiwan’s history with the Oscars includes the 2001 win by “Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon,” directed by Ang Lee, for best international film. Alongside Taiwan, other East Asian films shortlisted for the 2026 Oscars include Japan’s “Kokuho” and South Korea’s “No Other Choice.”