While Polish director Agnieszka Holland’s film Franz Kafka will not advance, another Pole has a strong chance of taking home an Oscar.
Polish cinematographer Łukasz Żal remains in the running for his work on Hamnet, directed by Chloé Zhao.
The film tells the story of Agnes, the wife of William Shakespeare, grappling with the loss of her only son, Hamnet.
Hamnet is also shortlisted in the preliminary categories of Best Ensemble, Best Cinematography, and Original Score.
Żal, known for his cinematography in Ida, Loving Vincent, Cold War, and The Business Zone, earns his third Oscar nomination.
In a Hollywood Reporter interview, the Polish cinematographer said they created an atmosphere where the cast and extras felt they were in a real place and could express their emotions.
The Academy has released preliminary shortlists across twelve categories, including Animated Short, Casting, Cinematography, Documentary Feature, Documentary Short, International Feature, Live Action Short, Makeup and Hairstyling, Original Score, Original Song, Sound, and Visual Effects.
These selections provide insight into the films the Academy is prioritizing in this year’s race.
The full shortlist for Animated Short includes 15 films out of 113 submissions, featuring titles such as Autokar, Butterfly, Cardboard, and I Died in Irpin.
Other categories feature a similarly diverse mix of international talent and productions.
The 98th Academy Awards will feature prizes awarded in 24 categories, up from 23 in previous years, with the new category recognizing the Best Ensemble Cast.
Official nominations will be announced on 22 January 2026, with the ceremony scheduled for 16 March 2026.
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Source: Polish Radio/X/@TheAcademy/@SaltLakeFilmSoc/The Hollywood Reporter