Bernhard Wenger’s ‘Peacock’ is Austria’s Oscars 2026 entry

Bernhard Wenger wrote and directed “Pfau – Bin ich echt?“, a satirical tragicomedy film with an international title “Peacock“. It was produced by Michael Kitzberger, Nikolaus Geyrhalter and Wolfgang Widerhofer.

“Peacock”

Born in Salzburg, Austria, Wenger turned 33 on June 24, 2025. He directed at least nine short films between 2013 and 2023.

“Peacock” marked his feature film debut. Jena, Germany native Albrecht Schuch plays Matthias, the lead character of the film.

Professionally adept at pretending daily, Matthias masters impersonating roles for hire, including a perfect son, a cultured boyfriend and a sparring partner. His true challenge lies in being himself.

Among Schuch’s co-stars are Anton Noori, Branko Samarovski, Julia Franz Richter, Maria Hofstätter, Salka Weber, Theresa Frostad Eggesbø and Tilo Nest. Also in the cast are Alexey Hartlieb-Shea, Alice Schneider, Barbara Gassner, Christina Trefny, Christoph Thim, Christopher Korkisch, Doris Drechsel, Herber Forthuber, Ines Miro, Karla Morze, Markus Hamele, Michael Edlinger, Nina Fog, Rina Juniku, Roland Silbernagl, Sebastian Thiers, Selina Graf, Thomas Sigwald and Wolfgang Oliver.

On August 30, 2024, the film had its world premiere at the 81st Venice International Film Festival in Venice, Italy. After this, World Sales MK2 Films distributed it to more than 30 territories.

On February 20, 2025, the film hit theaters in Austria and Germany. On September 19, 2025, it hit theaters in the United States via Oscilloscope.

Oscars 2026

On March 2, 2025, Conan O’Brien hosted the 97th Academy Awards, also known as the Oscars 2025, at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood, Los Angeles, California, United States. The Best International Feature Film award was given to “I’m Still Here” of Brazil.

“Peacock” is Austria’s entry to the the Best International Feature Film category for the Oscars 2026. The deadline for submissions is October 1, 2025.

The shortlist of 15 entries to the category will be released on December 16, 2025 and the final nominees will be announced on January 22, 2026. O’Brien will be back as the host of the Oscars 2026 at the Dolby Theatre on March 15, 2026.