Chinese film 'Once Upon a Time in the Middle East' heads to the Oscars

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A poster for the Chinese film "Once Upon a Time in the Middle East" is seen at a cinema in Shenyang, Liaoning Province on October 4, 2026. /VCG

The Chinese anti-war film Once Upon a Time in the Middle East will represent the Chinese mainland in the Best International Feature Film category at the 99th Academy Awards, the film's official Weibo account announced on Wednesday.

Set in the Middle East, the film portrays ordinary people caught up in war and explores the reality that no one can remain an outsider in wartime, offering a distinctive perspective on war.

Since its release on August 11, Once Upon a Time in the Middle East has grossed more than 2.35 billion yuan ($350 million), ranking second on China's 2026 annual box office chart.

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