Music
Music
Fashion
Fashion
Art
Art
Anime
Anime
Manga
Manga
Games
Games
Travel & Food
Travel & Food
MusicFashionArtAnimeMangaGamesTravel & FoodFilm and TVOtherLatest
2024 scrmbl, Inc.
Kokuho is selected by EIREN as Japan's "Best International Feature Film" submission for the 98th Academy Awards
scrmbl NewsroomAug 28th, 2025
Kabuki performance in Kokuho
©Shuichi Yoshida/Asahi Shimbun Publishing ©“Kokuho” Film Partners

Lee Sang-il’s Kokuho was an undeniable hit in Japanese cinemas this past year, becoming the second highest grossing film of all time in the country. As a result it should come as no surprise that the Motion Picture Producers Association of Japan, also known as EIREN, has selected the film as the country's submission for "Best International Film" at the upcoming 98th Academy Awards.

The film tells the story of the grueling journey of two young actors to reach the pinnacle of Kabuki performance, to become Kokuho, a national treasure. Alicia Haddick sang its praises in our official review, and it's been a hit at film festivals around the world as well.

The submission will be one of many to be voted on by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences for the potential to win an Oscar at the next awards ceremony. There is always stiff competition in the category each year, but we think Kokuho has a pretty good shot thanks to its incredibly close attention to detail and accuracy in the depiction of Kabuki as an art form. We'll be looking forward to seeing the results on 15 March, 2026.

Join the
scrmbl Newsletter
Subscribe to get exclusive info early.
Yuto Nakajima announces graduation from Hey! Say! JUMP
NewsAug 28th
Music
METAL GEAR SOLID Ichiban Kuji gives Snake's iconic box camouflage a new use
NewsAug 28th
Other
Exclusive merchandise lineup for New PANTY & STOCKING FES revealed
NewsAug 28th
Anime
Sega starts Hatsune Miku & Sonic collaboration, Project ONSOKU
NewsAug 28th
Games
FRUITS ZIPPER to perform upcoming Crayon Shin-Chan opening theme
NewsAug 25th
Music
Hochimachi Suisei headlines Forbes JAPAN 30 UNDER 30 list
NewsAug 25th
Other
New PANTY & STOCKING with GARTERBELT museum opens at Akihabara GAMERS main store
NewsAug 22nd
Anime
More recent posts
Young & Fine is a juvenile sex comedy with genuine heart
Alicia HaddickAug 28th
Film and TV
His Motorbike, Her Island: Intoxicating, form-fitting, bike-riding Obayashi romance
Alicia HaddickAug 21st
Film and TV
Review
Catching the Stars of This Summer shatters youth COVID isolation through space
Alicia HaddickAug 15th
Film and TV
From Molcar to My Melody and Kuromi: The evolution of Tomoki Misato
Alicia HaddickAug 12th
Film and TV