From Cannes to the Oscars: PIFF 2026 Brings Global Award Front-Runners to Pune
Pune, 26th December 2025: Pune is set to transform into a global cinema hub this January as the 24th Pune International Film Festival (PIFF) 2026 presents an exclusive lineup of nine films shortlisted for the Academy Awards, several of which are also strong contenders at the Golden Globe Awards. The festival will run from January 15 to 22, offering audiences rare access to some of the most acclaimed films of the year.
Of the nine Oscar-shortlisted titles, four have also earned Golden Globe nominations, underscoring PIFF’s growing stature as a platform for world-class cinema and award-season favourites.
Cannes Winners and Oscar Hopefuls Take Centre Stage:
Leading the international selections is ‘Sentimental Value’, directed by celebrated Norwegian filmmaker Joachim Trier. Premiered at the 2025 Cannes Film Festival, where it won the Grand Prix, the film explores the fractured relationship between a renowned filmmaker and his estranged daughters. Featuring Renate Reinsve, Stellan Skarsgård, Elle Fanning, and Inga Ibsdotter Lilleaas, the film is Norway’s official entry for the 98th Academy Awards and has been shortlisted for the Golden Globe Awards.
Another major draw is “Sirat”, directed by Spanish filmmaker Oliver Laxe. Set against the stark backdrop of southern Morocco’s desert rave culture, the film traces a father’s search for his missing daughter. The Cannes Jury Prize-winning film is shortlisted for Best Foreign Language Film and Best Original Score at the Golden Globes and is also in the Oscars race for Best International Feature Film.
Equally anticipated is ‘It Was Just an Accident’, a gripping thriller by renowned Iranian director Jafar Panahi. The film, which won the Palme d’Or at the 78th Cannes Film Festival, has made history as the first Iranian film to be shortlisted across multiple Golden Globe categories, including Best Film, Best Director, Best Screenplay, and Best Foreign Language Film. It is also France’s official submission for the Oscars.
The World Competition section will feature ‘All That’s Left of You’, directed by Cherien Dabis, a Palestinian-American filmmaker and Cannes FIPRESCI Award winner. A multinational co-production spanning Europe and the Middle East, the film has secured a place on the Academy Awards’ first shortlist for Best International Feature Film.
More Oscar-Listed Global Cinema
PIFF 2026 will also screen several other critically acclaimed Oscar-listed films, including:
“Sound of Falling” – directed by Mascha Schilinski
“Cutting Through Rocks” – a documentary by Mohammadreza Eyni and Sara Khaki
“The President’s Cake” – directed by Hassan Hadi
“Late Shift” – directed by Petra Volpe
“No Other Choice” – a Korean black comedy thriller by Park Chan-wook, also shortlisted for the Golden Globes
Festival Details
The Pune Film Foundation, the Department of Cultural Affairs, Government of Maharashtra, and Dadasaheb Phalke Chitranagari, Mumbai jointly organise the 24th edition of PIFF. Screenings will be held across 10 cinema screens in Pune.
Online registrations are currently open at: www.piffindia.com
With an exceptional lineup spanning Cannes, Golden Globes, and Oscars contenders, PIFF 2026 promises Pune audiences an unparalleled cinematic journey across cultures, languages, and storytelling traditions.
