Singapore's 'We Are All Strangers' Joins Oscar Race
Singapore has officially nominated Anthony Chen’s latest cinematic creation, “We Are All Strangers,” as its contender for the International Feature Film category at the upcoming 99th Academy Awards. This selection not only highlights the film's artistic merit but also celebrates the culmination of Chen’s decade-long “Growing Up” trilogy, a series that has consistently brought critical acclaim and international accolades to Singaporean filmmaking.
Singaporean Drama “We Are All Strangers” Enters the Global Oscar Arena
On September 11, 2026, the Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA) announced Singapore's official submission for the prestigious 99th Academy Awards: Anthony Chen's poignant drama, “We Are All Strangers.” This film, crafted with a keen eye for contemporary Singaporean life, delves into the intricate dynamics of family bonds and the transformative power of unforeseen circumstances. It features a stellar cast including Chen's long-standing collaborators, Yeo Yann Yann and Koh Jia Ler, alongside emerging talents Andi Lim and Regene Lim.
Earlier this year, “We Are All Strangers” achieved a historic feat by becoming the first Singaporean film in 76 years to be selected for the main competition at the Berlin Film Festival, where it vied for the coveted Golden Bear against 21 other international productions. This selection for the Oscars marks the completion of Chen's renowned “Growing Up” trilogy, which began with “Ilo Ilo” in 2013 and continued with “Wet Season” in 2019. Both previous installments were also Singapore's Oscar entries and collectively garnered over 50 international honors, including significant wins at the Golden Horse Awards and the Caméra d'Or at Cannes.
Produced by Chen’s Giraffe Pictures with support from IMDA, the film premiered in Singaporean cinemas in August and is gradually expanding its global release. Paradise City Sales is managing its international distribution, while Film Movement has secured the North American rights. The film is currently making its North American debut at the Toronto Film Festival, drawing attention and praise from critics and audiences alike.
Yvonne Tang, Assistant Chief Executive of IMDA’s Media Industry Group, expressed immense pride in the selection, emphasizing Chen's unique ability to weave universally resonant narratives from stories deeply rooted in Singapore. Chen himself reflected on the profound significance of having this final chapter of his trilogy chosen to represent Singapore on the world stage, calling it a privilege to share these Singaporean stories with a global audience.
The journey of “We Are All Strangers” from its inception to its Oscar nomination symbolizes a remarkable achievement for Singaporean cinema, showcasing its growing influence and artistic prowess on an international scale. It underscores the power of local stories to transcend cultural boundaries and connect with humanity’s shared experiences.
