Oscars: Colombia Picks ‘A Poet’ as Best International Feature Submission

Colombia has chosen Simón Mesa Soto’s A Poet to represent the country for the 2026 Oscar race in the best international feature category.

First-time actor Ubeimar Rios stars in the dramedy as Oscar Restrepo, a failed and down-and-out writer who is given the opportunity for redemption by mentoring a young and talented student, Yurlady (Rebeca Andrade). He just has to stop making bad decisions to succeed.

The film bowed at Cannes in the Un Certain Regard program, where it won the jury prize. A Poet also stars Rebeca Andrade, Guillermo Cardona, Humberto Restrepo, Alisson Correa and Margarita Soto, and will receive a North American release via 1-2 Special after a recent theatrical release in Colombia.

“Since its release in Colombian theaters, 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,” director Soto said in a statement about his second feature after Amparo.

The Spanish-language Colombia, Germany, Sweden co-production is produced by Juan Sarmiento G., Manuel Ruiz Montealegre and Soto. The film had a North American premiere in Toronto.

The Academy will announce the first shortlist of 15 films in contention for the 2026 best international feature Oscar on Dec. 16, 2025. The final nominations will be announced on Jan. 22, 2026. The 98th Academy Awards Ceremony will take place in Los Angeles on March 15, 2026.