The Azerbaijani Film Submission Committee for the 98th Academy Awards, under the Azerbaijani Union of Filmmakers, has officially chosen Taghiyev: Oil to represent Azerbaijan in the Best International Feature Film category at the 98th Academy Awards® (2026).
Produced by Baku Media Centre with the support of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation, the Ministry of Culture of Azerbaijan, and the Cinema Agency, the film highlights the extraordinary life and legacy of Hajji Zeynalabdin Taghiyev, the visionary oil baron, industrial pioneer, and philanthropist whose contributions transformed Azerbaijan’s cultural and economic landscape.
Premiered at the Heydar Aliyev Center in October 2024, Taghiyev: Oil the film portrays significant milestones of Taghiyev’s life—his pioneering support for female education, his instrumental role in advancing Azerbaijan’s oil industry, and his philanthropic endeavours that shaped the infrastructure of Baku. The production boasts a highly skilled creative team, including director Zaur Gasimli, general producer Arzu Aliyeva, and a strong technical crew.
“With Taghiyev: Oil, we are proud to bring an Azerbaijani story of vision, resilience, and generosity to the world stage,” said Shamil Aliyev, Chairperson of the Azerbaijani Selection Committee. “Submitting this film to the Academy Awards underscores our growing commitment to sharing national cinema internationally.”
By entering Taghiyev: Oil, Azerbaijan continues to strengthen its presence in the global film industry, presenting its unique cultural heritage and stories to international audiences.
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences will announce the shortlist for the Best International Feature Film category in December 2025, followed by the nominations in January 2026. The 98th Academy Awards ceremony will take place in Los Angeles in March 2026.