Viet Nam Selects Historical Film ‘The Guardian Warriors’ for 99th Academy Awards

Hanoi, The Gulf Observer: Viet Nam has selected the historical action film The Guardian Warriors: Mystery of King Dinh’s Tomb (Ho linh trang si – Bi an mo vua Dinh) to represent the country in the preliminary round of the International Feature Film category at the 99th Academy Awards.

The selection was made by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism following a recommendation from the National Film Selection Council. Binh Hanh Dan Co., Ltd. and TV360 have been assigned to complete the registration and submission procedures with the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.

The producers are required to submit the film’s Digital Cinema Package (DCP), along with an English-subtitled copy and the necessary documentation, before 5 p.m. on October 1, 2026.

Directed by Nguyen Phan Quang Binh, the film is set during the turbulent period following the death of King Dinh Tien Hoang, founder of the Dinh Dynasty. The story follows seven warriors entrusted with protecting the secret of the king’s burial place by transporting 99 coffins in different directions to mislead forces seeking to desecrate the tomb.

The film features actors including Johnny Tri Nguyen, Tuan Tran, Do Thi Hai Yen, Hua Vi Van, Quach Ngoc Ngoan and People’s Artist Tu Long. It was filmed extensively in Ninh Binh and combines historical themes with action, legend and adventure.

Before its Oscar submission, the film was presented at the Toronto International Film Festival and is scheduled to appear at the Busan International Film Festival. The 99th Academy Awards ceremony is scheduled for March 14, 2027.