Following his Cannes-winning Fire Will Come, filmmaker Oliver Laxe returns with Sirât, a metaphysical survival drama that has quietly become one of the most formidable international awards contenders of the season. The Spanish film is shortlisted in five Oscar categories, represents Spain in the 2026 Academy Awards race for Best International Feature, and has racked up major recognition across the board — including two Golden Globe nominations (Best Non-English Language Film and Best Original Score), a spot on the National Board of Review’s Top Five International Films, and nominations from the Gothams, Independent Spirit Awards, and Critics Choice Awards.
Distributed in the U.S. by Neon, Sirât opens theatrically in New York and Los Angeles on Feb. 6 ahead of a nationwide theatrical release. Read on for everything you need to know about one of the season’s most spiritually ambitious and awards-forward international films.
What it’s about
Sirât follows Luis, an ordinary man whose journey through the Sahara Desert becomes both a physical trial and a metaphysical reckoning. The film examines how people respond when confronted with death, transformation, and the possibility of change — both personal and societal. Stripped bare by loss and fear, Luis and his companions must rediscover their humanity and learn to walk through darkness toward something resembling grace.
Who’s in it
The ensemble includes Sergi López (Pan’s Labyrinth, Dirty Pretty Things) as Luis, with Brúno Nuñez as Esteban, Stefania Gadda as Stef, Joshua Liam Henderson as Josh, Tonin Janvier as Tonin, Jade Oukida as Jade, and Richard Bellamy as Bigui.
Who’s behind the camera
Sirât is directed by Oliver Laxe, a Paris-born Spanish filmmaker celebrated for his spiritual, visually hypnotic storytelling.
The screenplay was co-written by Santiago Fillol and Laxe. Mauro Herce serves as director of photography, Laia Ateca as production designer, Cristóbal Fernández as editor, and Nadia Acimi as costume designer. The original score by David Letellier (also known as Kangding Ray) evolves from raw, pulsing techno to transcendent ambient, echoing the film’s emotional and spiritual descent.
Produced by Filmes da Ermida, El Deseo, Uri Films, and 4A4 Productions, Sirât is a Movistar Plus+ Original co-produced with ARTE Germany. Executive producer Esther García and producer Oriol Maymó lead the production team, with additional support from Los Desertores Films.
What the director says
“Sirât translates as ‘path’ or ‘way.’ It’s also the name of the bridge that connects hell and paradise,” says Laxe. “Many of us wonder whether we’re truly capable of change — or doomed to repeat the same mistakes. The film is about that inner path that pushes you to die before you die.”
He calls Sirât “tough but necessary,” describing it as a story where “fragile characters begin to care for each other in a communion of scars.” For Laxe, it’s “a film about death — but above all, a film about life.”
On working again with his longtime collaborators and new partners at El Deseo, Movistar Plus+, and Neon, he adds, “I’ve never felt better accompanied. From the beginning, they understood what I was trying to do. They’ve been exquisite travel companions.”
When you can see it
Sirât will expand nationwide after opening in New York and Los Angeles on Feb. 6.
Awards potential
The film’s critical acclaim and selection as Spain’s 2026 Oscar submission make it a key contender for Best International Feature, where it was listed among the top 15 shortlisted contenders. The film was also shortlisted for Best Original Score, Best Sound, Best Casting, and Best Cinematography.
Laxe was nominated for Best Director at the 2026 Gotham Awards, but is still considered a long shot in Gold Derby’s 2026 Oscar odds. The movie’s best shot is in Best International Feature, where it currently ranks fifth. Spain has a rich history in the International Feature category, with 21 nominations and four wins. The last Spanish film to win the Oscar was Alejandro Amenábar The Sea Inside starring Javier Bardem in 2005. The most recent nominee was J.A. Bayona‘s Society of the Snow in 2024.