Singapore has officially selected Anthony Chen’s We Are All Strangers as its entry for the Best International Feature Film category at the 99th Academy Awards.
The film serves as the final chapter of Chen’s “Growing Up” trilogy, which began with the critically acclaimed Ilo Ilo in 2013 and continued with Wet Season in 2019. In a rare achievement for a single director and cast pairing, all three films in the trilogy have been selected as Singapore’s official Oscar submissions over a 13-year span. The project is notable for the consistent casting of actors Yeo Yann Yann and Koh Jia Ler, allowing audiences to witness the real-time maturation of the performers across the decade-long cinematic cycle.
A Milestone for Singaporean Cinema
Before its Oscar selection, We Are All Strangers achieved a significant milestone for the local film industry by becoming the first Singaporean production to compete in the main competition of the Berlin International Film Festival. Its world premiere at the 76th Berlinale in February 2026 placed it in contention for the Golden Bear, the festival’s highest honor.
The narrative of We Are All Strangers follows 21-year-old Junyang, played by Koh Jia Ler, and his father. Their lives are thrown into flux by an unplanned pregnancy and the emergence of new romantic relationships, continuing the director’s exploration of complex family dynamics and the transition into adulthood. While Chen’s previous Oscar entries include the earlier films in the trilogy, this latest selection is viewed as the definitive conclusion to his most personal body of work.
Distribution and Award Season Timeline
North American distribution rights for the film are held by Film Movement, ensuring the project will reach audiences in the United States as the campaign for the 99th Academy Awards begins. The film joins a growing list of international submissions vying for a spot on the Academy’s shortlist.
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has outlined a specific timeline for the upcoming season. The shortlist for the Best International Feature Film category is expected to be announced on December 15, 2026, followed by the official nominations on January 21, 2027. The 99th Academy Awards ceremony is scheduled to take place on March 14, 2027.
With We Are All Strangers, Chen remains one of the most prolific contributors to Singapore’s international awards presence, further solidifying his trilogy’s legacy as a cornerstone of the country’s modern film history.
