Oscars 2026: Eligible Animated, Documentary and International Films Announced

Oscars 2026: Eligible Animation, Documentary and International Films Revealed

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has officially released the full roster of films eligible for the 98th Academy Awards in three major categories— Best Animated Feature , Best Documentary Feature , and Best International Feature Film . The announcement marks the beginning of an intense awards season, with filmmakers and audiences worldwide closely tracking the race.

Animation Category Features Global Heavyweights

A total of 35 animated films have been approved for consideration. The category is led by Netflix’s breakout hit “KPop Demon Hunters,” which qualified through its theatrical screenings across key US cities. Disney’s highly anticipated “Elio” and “Zootopia 2,” Neon’s visually ambitious “Arco,” GKids’ literary adaptation “Little Amelie or the Character of Rain,” Japan’s blockbuster “Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle,” and India’s mythological epic “Mahavatar Narsimha” also make the list. Meanwhile, China’s expected contender “Ne Zha 2” is notably missing from eligibility.

Record-Breaking Submissions in Documentary Feature

This year’s documentary category saw 201 submissions , the highest among all Oscar sections. The documentary branch will vote to create a shortlist of 15 films on 16 December , after which only five will earn final nominations. The category includes a mix of investigative journalism, biographies, and socio-political works.

Strong International Representation

The Best International Feature category comprises 86 films , showcasing diverse storytelling traditions. Among the standout submissions are India’s “Homebound,” Norway’s “Sentimental Value,” Spain’s “Sirat,” Brazil’s “The Secret Agent,” and Tunisia’s “The Voice of Hind Rajab.” Some films, including the joint-production “2000 Meters to Andriivka,” are competing in both international and documentary categories.

Exam Oriented Facts

• 35 animated films are eligible.

• 201 films submitted in the documentary category — the highest.

• 86 international films approved for the 98th Oscars.

• Category shortlists will be released on 16 December .