Dhaka: 'Barir Naam Shahana' (House Name Shahana), a film directed by Lisa Gazi, has been selected to represent Bangladesh at the 98th Academy Awards (Oscars). The announcement was made at a press conference by the Oscar Bangladesh Committee, which operates under the supervision of the Bangladesh Federation of Film Societies (BFFS).
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the 98th Academy Awards are scheduled to take place on March 15, 2026, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. 'Barir Naam Shahana' tells the story of a divorced woman's struggles, with Anan Siddiqua taking on the central role. The film is inspired by a true story and has already been showcased at several international film festivals, including those in London, Chicago, Melbourne, Birmingham, Rome, and Mumbai. It was released in Bangladeshi theatres on September 19.
Expressing her reaction to the selection, director Lisa Gazi remarked, "I feel incredible by the news. When the announcement was made, I literally had goosebumps. I want to hold on to this moment and celebrate it." Mohammad Zahirul Islam chaired the Oscar Bangladesh Committee this year. The committee included film critic Sazzad Sharif, cinematographer Rashed Zaman, film producer Shahrin Akter Sumi, director Shaheen Dil-Riaz, and film educator S.M. Imran Hossain.