Egypt Selects “Happy Birthday” for 2026 Oscar Race with Jamie Foxx as Producer

Egypt has officially chosen its contender for the 2026 Academy Awards. The submission is the drama “Happy Birthday,” directed by Sarah Goher. The film is Egypt’s official entry for the Best International Feature Film category.

This marks a significant moment for Egyptian cinema. The movie is produced by Hollywood star Jamie Foxx, adding considerable international attention to the project.

A Story of Class and Innocence Through a Child’s Eyes

“Happy Birthday” tells the story of an eight-year-old maid named Doha. She works for an affluent family in Cairo. The plot follows her determined quest to throw a perfect birthday party for her friend, the daughter of her employers.

The film explores deep social issues. It examines class, power, and belonging through the innocent perspective of a child. The movie premiered at the Tribeca Film Festival in June, where it won multiple awards, including Best International Narrative Feature. According to The Hollywood Reporter, the director drew from her own childhood experiences for the story.

Finding the Perfect Lead and Ensuring a Lasting Impact

Casting the young lead was a critical process for the filmmakers. Director Sarah Goher conducted an extensive search to find Doha Ramadan, a newcomer who understood the character’s world. The team used street casting and social media to discover her talent.

The director ensured the young actress’s involvement was positive beyond filming. She created an enrichment program for Ramadan, providing a private tutor and ballet lessons. This initiative aimed to give the child artist continued opportunities for growth and self-expression.

The selection of “Happy Birthday” represents a powerful choice for the 2026 Oscars. This poignant film shines a light on social divides with remarkable subtlety. Egypt’s Oscar submission aims to capture global hearts with its unique story.

Thought you’d like to know

What is the movie “Happy Birthday” about?

The film follows an eight-year-old maid in Cairo. She is determined to throw a great birthday party for her employer’s daughter. The story explores themes of class and innocence.

Who is involved in producing the film?

Academy Award-winning actor Jamie Foxx is a producer on the project. The film is directed by Sarah Goher in her feature debut. It is produced by Ahmed El Desouky for SkyLimit Production.

Where has the film already been shown?

“Happy Birthday” premiered at the Tribeca Film Festival. It won the award for Best International Narrative Feature there. It is also screening at the Tallinn Black Nights Film Festival.

How does this impact Egypt’s film industry?

The selection brings significant international recognition. It highlights the growing global appeal of Egyptian storytelling. A successful Oscar run can open doors for more regional films.

Why did the director create an “enrichment program”?

Director Sarah Goher wanted to give back to her young star. She provided the child actress with a tutor and ballet lessons. This ensured the experience had a positive, lasting impact on her life.