The acclaimed Chinese film ‘Welcome to the Long Restaurant’, directed by Wen Muye, has been officially selected to represent mainland China at the upcoming 99th Academy Awards in the Best International Feature Film category.
A Culinary Journey Amidst Conflict
The anti-war drama, produced by Ning Hao, is a collaborative effort with directors Wen Muye, Zhong Wei, and Lang Qunli penning the screenplay. Starring Shen Teng in a pivotal role, alongside Jiang Qiming and Omar Sharif, with a special appearance by Li Zhiting, the film premiered in mainland China on August 11, 2026.
Inspired by true events, ‘Welcome to the Long Restaurant’ tells the compelling story of Xu Fu, a chef who travels to the capital city of Bahata in a Middle Eastern country to establish a Chinese restaurant, the ‘Long Restaurant’, to repay his debts. Working alongside the front desk manager, Ma Junsheng, Xu Fu’s business flourishes thanks to his ingenuity and hard work. However, his fortunes take a dramatic turn when war breaks out, plunging him into unforeseen circumstances.
Box Office Success and Critical Acclaim
As of the latest reports, ‘Welcome to the Long Restaurant’ has achieved a remarkable box office performance, grossing 2.356 billion yuan in just 58 days since its release. The film has also garnered significant critical praise, boasting an impressive 8.7 rating on Douban and an 8.3 rating on IMDb, underscoring its widespread appeal and artistic merit.
The Road to the Oscars
The 99th Academy Awards ceremony is scheduled to take place on March 14, 2027, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles, USA. The selection of ‘Welcome to the Long Restaurant’ signifies China’s strong contender in the international film race.
Other Chinese-language films vying for nominations include ‘Hong Kong, China’s’ submission, ‘The Storm’, and ‘Taiwan, China’s’ selection, ‘Da Meng’. The competition for the Best International Feature Film award is expected to be intense, with submissions from various countries highlighting diverse cinematic achievements from around the globe.
The journey of ‘Welcome to the Long Restaurant’ to the Oscars stage is a testament to the growing influence and quality of Chinese cinema on the international stage.
