MANILA, Philippines – “Noy,” the Philippines’ submission to the 83rd Oscars, has failed to make it to the shortlist of the Best Foreign Language Film category.

In a release published Jan. 19 on the Academy Awards’ official website, nine films were cited as those which will advance to the next round of voting to determine the five official nominees for Best Foreign Language Film.

Out of the 66 qualified entries screened, the chosen films are: “Hors la Loi” (“Outside the Law”) from Algeria; “Incendies” from Canada; “In a Better World” from Denmark; “Dogtooth” from Greece; “Confessions” from Japan; “Biutiful” from Mexico; “Life, above All” from South Africa; “Tambien la Lluvia” (“Even the Rain”) from Spain; and “Simple Simon” from Sweden.

“Noy,” a docu-drama shot during last year’s elections, stars indie actor Coco Martin, who also co-produced and co-directed the movie with “Dalaw” filmmaker Dondon Santos. Apart from its local release last June, “Noy” also had international screenings in Los Angeles, San Diego, and San Francisco.

The film boasts of a stellar support cast that includes Erich Gonzales, Vice Ganda, Cherry Pie Picache, Jhong Hilario, Ketchup Eusebio, Baron Geisler, Joem Bascon, Pen and Ping Medina, Neil Ryan Sese and Janus del Prado.

The Philippines has been attempting to take part in the Oscar race for decades now. The earliest submission goes as far back as 1953 with Manuel Conde’s “Genghis Khan.” However, the then-called “Special Award” for best foreign film went to “Forbidden Games” of France.

Other films submitted in recent years include Soxy Topacio’s “Ded Na Si Lolo” (2009); Dante Nico Garcia’s “Ploning” (2008); Adolf Alix Jr.’s “Donsol” (2007); Auraeus Solito’s “Ang Pagdadalaga Ni Maximo Oliveros” (2006); and Mark Meilly’s “Crying Ladies” (2004).

Classic movies such as “Anak,” “Dekada ’70,” “Munting Tinig,” “Ganito Kami Noon, Paano Kayo Ngayon?” and “Bayan Ko: Kapit Sa Patalim” were also unsuccessful in their bids.