Iran picks ‘Cause of Death: Unknown’ as official Oscar entry for 2026
Iran selected ‘Cause of Death: Unknown’ as its official submission for the 2026 Academy Award for Best International Feature Film, the Farabi Cinema Foundation announced Tuesday following a unanimous vote by a nine-member selection committee.
The decision came from a shortlist of five films, including ‘The Old Bachelor,’ ‘Woman and Child,’ ‘Raha,’ and ‘Call Me Ziba’.
The committee, which reviewed 84 eligible entries, determined that Ali Zarnegar’s ‘Cause of Death: Unknown’ best represents contemporary Iranian cinema on the global stage.
The film follows seven passengers traveling from Shahdad to Kerman in Iran’s Lut Desert before sunrise. When one passenger dies unexpectedly, the group discovers a hidden sum of money on the body. With no doctor available to issue a death certificate, emergency services refuse to intervene. Facing a moral dilemma, the passengers decide to take the matter to the local police, grappling with ethical choices amid extraordinary circumstances.
The selection highlights the depth and diversity of Iranian filmmaking. “The film captures raw human emotion under pressure,” said one member of the committee, which includes prominent figures such as filmmaker Abolhassan Davoodi, actress Pantea Panahiha, cinematographer Hooman Behmanesh, and Oscar Academy member Mohammad Reza Delpak.
‘Cause of Death: Unknown’ has earned acclaim on the festival circuit. At the 2023 Shanghai International Film Festival, it received nominations for Best Film, Best Director, and Best Actor, while Davood Malek Hosseini won Best Cinematography.
The ensemble cast features Banipal Shoomoon, Alireza Sanifar, Neda Jebraeili, Ali Mohammad Radmanesh, and Zakiyeh Behbahani, among others. Produced by Majid Barzegar, the film has been praised for its tension-driven storytelling and striking visuals.
The Farabi Cinema Foundation, which oversees Iran’s submissions to international awards, emphasized that the choice reflects the country’s commitment to promoting its cinematic achievements abroad.
The foundation said the film “stands out for its narrative originality and artistic execution,” continuing Iran’s tradition of presenting compelling stories to the global film community.