Paolo Strippoli's intense thriller, "The Spiral," has been officially selected to represent Italy in the Best International Feature Film category at the 2027 Academy Awards. This film, starring Valeria Bruni Tedeschi and Jasmine Trinca, delves into a captivating narrative of a mother's profound secret and a mysterious pact that unravels dramatic consequences, showcasing a compelling story that resonated strongly following its premiere at the Venice Film Festival.

Italy's Oscar Bid: 'The Spiral' Poised for International Recognition

On September 23, 2026, Italy's national motion picture association, ANICA, made a significant announcement, naming Paolo Strippoli's acclaimed thriller, "The Spiral," as the country's official submission for the Best International Feature Film category at the 99th Academy Awards. This decision follows the film's impactful premiere at the Venice Film Festival earlier that month.

"The Spiral" features a stellar cast, with Valeria Bruni Tedeschi portraying a enigmatic character known as The Stranger, and Jasmine Trinca in the role of a young mother. The plot centers on a chilling Faustian pact and its far-reaching implications, exploring a complex mother-daughter dynamic that spirals into chaos after a hidden truth comes to light. The narrative unfolds as Anna, a character in the film, reveals to her daughter, Alice, a dark family secret involving a twenty-year-old agreement with The Stranger, made to save Alice from an accident. This pact, Anna claims, has set off a chain of catastrophic events, and only Alice holds the key to rectifying the past, but at an unknown cost.

Among a competitive field of 21 eligible Italian films released between October 1, 2025, and September 30, 2026, "The Spiral" emerged as the chosen candidate. Other notable contenders included Venice entries like Nanni Moretti's "It Will Happen Tonight" and Marco Bechis' "Back to Buenos Aires." Italy's last triumph in this category was in 2014 with Paolo Sorrentino's "The Great Beauty." The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences is scheduled to announce the shortlist for the 2027 Oscar nominations on December 15, followed by the final selection on January 21. The prestigious 99th Academy Awards ceremony is set to take place on March 14 in Los Angeles.

"The Spiral" presents a thought-provoking exploration of sacrifice, consequence, and the enduring bonds of family, wrapped in the suspense of a psychological thriller. Its selection for the Oscars highlights Italy's continued contribution to global cinema, bringing forth stories that challenge and captivate audiences. This film serves as a powerful reminder of how past decisions can echo through generations, urging viewers to reflect on the nature of destiny and free will.