Thailand Selects Cannes Winner A Useful Ghost for 2026 Oscar Race

Thailand has selected the supernatural dark comedy "A Useful Ghost" (Pee Chai Dai Ka) as its submission for the Best International Feature Film category at the 98th Academy Awards. Directed by debutant Ratchapoom Boonbunchachoke, the film tells the story of March mourning his wife Nat, who died from dust pollution, and her spirit returning by possessing a vacuum cleaner, with the couple's unconventional relationship facing family resistance. The film, a satirical romantic comedy addressing environmental issues like dust pollution in Thailand, won the Grand Prize at Cannes Critics’ Week and marks a departure from the country's traditional horror cinema. It is an international co-production involving Thailand, France, Singapore, and Germany, and features local star Davika Hoorne. Thailand's selection committee chose the film from 57 eligible titles, continuing the country's long history of submissions without yet securing an Oscar nomination, though last year's entry was shortlisted. The Oscar shortlist will be announced in December 2025, with final nominees revealed in January 2026.