War film 'Coward' by Lukas Dhont is Belgium's Oscar entry

The war film 'Coward,' directed by Lukas Dhont, has been chosen to represent Belgium in the upcoming Academy Awards competition. This selection marks a significant achievement for Dhont, as it is the third consecutive time one of his films has been designated as the Belgian entry for the prestigious awards.

Dhont's previous submissions, 'Girl' in 2018 and 'Close' in 2022, have garnered international acclaim. Notably, 'Close' went on to receive an Oscar nomination in the Best International Feature Film category, highlighting the quality and potential of Dhont's directorial work.

'Coward' is set during World War I and tells the story of Pierre, a young Belgian soldier portrayed by Emmanuel Macchia. The narrative follows Pierre's desire to prove himself on the front lines, where he encounters Francis, played by Valentin Campagne. Francis is tasked with boosting troop morale through improvised shows amidst the brutal realities of war.

As the film navigates the intense combat, it explores the universal human desire to escape the atrocities of war. The selection process for the Oscars is rigorous, and the Belgian film industry will be eagerly awaiting the announcement of nominations in January to see if 'Coward' will follow in the footsteps of 'Close' and secure a coveted spot.