# Spain picks 'La Bola Negra' for Oscars

> Javier Calvo and Javier Ambrossi's Cannes sensation will represent Spain in the international feature race.
- Title: Spain picks 'La Bola Negra' for Oscars · Variety | Shortify
- Summary: Javier Calvo and Javier Ambrossi's Cannes sensation will represent Spain in the international feature race. Spain selected 'La Bola Negra' from its strongest…
- Keywords: la bola negra, spain, oscars, academy awards, international feature, javier calvo, javier ambrossi, penelope cruz, glenn close, cannes film festival, rodrigo sorogoyen, javier bardem
- Source: Variety — https://variety.com/2026/film/awards/oscars-spain-javier-calvo-javier-ambrossi-la-bola-negra-1236863433
- Author: John Hopewell,Emiliano de Pablos
- Published: 2026-09-16T08:38:31+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: la bola negra, spain, oscars, academy awards, international feature, javier calvo, javier ambrossi, penelope cruz, glenn close, cannes film festival, rodrigo sorogoyen, javier bardem
## Spain's Oscar pick is here
La Bola Negra will represent Spain in the 2027 international feature film race. The film is directed by Javier Calvo and Javier Ambrossi.
## A Cannes sensation
The film made waves at the Cannes Film Festival. It's already generating buzz for multiple Oscar category nominations beyond international feature.
## Star power with Cruz and Close
Penelope Cruz appears in a flamboyant extended cameo. Glenn Close also features in the film.
## Beating out strong competition
The film was chosen over Rodrigo Sorogoyen's The Beloved with Javier Bardem. Alauda Ruiz de Azua's Goya winner Sundays was also in contention.
## Spain's strongest shortlist ever
This year's international feature shortlist is arguably the strongest in Spanish history. All three finalists brought major credentials to the selection.

> arguably the strongest in Spanish history
## Key takeaway

Spain selected 'La Bola Negra' from its strongest ever international feature shortlist for the 2027 Academy Awards.