Colombia Confirms ‘A Poet’ As Its Submission For The Oscars
Colombia has confirmed that the Cannes’ Un Certain Regard jury prize winner, Un Poeta (A Poet), will be its submission for the Best International Feature Film category at the 98th Academy Awards.
The film, directed and produced by Simón Mesa Soto, has been described as a dark comedy about an aspiring poet, played by non-professional actor Ubeimar Rios, who takes a fellow writer under his wing even as he struggles to make ends meet himself. The film swings between comedy, drama, and parody, and is one that Soto has described as his most personal work to date.
“Those films about writers or poets often seem made for the First World,” stated Soto in an interview. “I wanted to create a version of that from the perspective of Colombia, from this tropical, complex, and unique place. Since its release in Colombian theatres, A Poet has been beautifully received by audiences. Many Colombians have seen it and have connected with our poet. That’s what has excited us the most. Now, knowing that we will represent Colombia on the road to the Oscars is a huge honor and the beginning of a journey that we hope will open a new chapter for Colombian cinema.”
The film was shot in the Colombian city of Medellín and utilizes both professional and non-professional actors. A co-production between Colombia, Germany, and Sweden, it will be released in North America by arthouse distributor 1-2 Special, while Luxbox handles international sales.
Colombia has been nominated for an Oscar only twice before, with 2015’s Embrace of the Serpent and 2018’s Birds of Passage.
The Oscar International Feature Shortlist will be announced on Tuesday, December 16, 2025, with the final five nominees to be announced on Thursday, January 22, 2026. The 98th Academy Awards ceremony is to be held on Sunday, March 15, 2026.
