Denmark selects May el-Toukhy’s 'Woman Unknown' for 2025 Oscars

Denmark has named May el‑Toukhy’s “Woman Unknown” as its official entry for the International Feature Film category at the 2025 Oscars, the Danish Film Institute announced on Thursday. The decision comes just weeks after the film won the Golden Lion at the Venice Film Festival, where a jury led by Maggie Gyllenhaal praised its raw portrayal of a woman’s search for identity. “Woman Unknown” will join a field of about ninety submissions from around the world vying for the Academy’s top foreign‑language honor.

The selection marks a rare moment for Danish cinema and for women directors on the global stage. Denmark has submitted a film for the International Feature category every year since the award was created in 2020, but only once before has a Danish entry also taken a major European festival prize. El‑Toukhy, who grew up in Copenhagen to Egyptian‑Danish parents, is the sole female director in competition at this year’s Venice fest, and her win highlights a broader push for gender parity in the industry. “Woman Unknown” follows the story of a young woman who, after a traumatic event, disappears from her family and attempts to rebuild her life under a new name, exploring themes of memory, belonging and the limits of the legal system. The film’s stark visual style and unflinching narrative have resonated with critics, earning a 92 % rating on Rotten Tomatoes and strong support from European art‑house audiences.

The Oscar race now moves to the campaigning phase. The Danish Film Institute will fund a limited U.S. screening tour and a targeted awards‑season push, aiming to secure a nomination before the Academy’s February deadline. If the film makes the shortlist, it could raise Denmark’s profile in the international market and encourage more investment in female‑led projects. El‑Toukhy’s success also puts pressure on other European festivals to showcase diverse voices. Regardless of the outcome, “Woman Unknown” has already sparked conversation about representation and the power of personal storytelling in cinema.