The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has officially announced the list of films eligible for consideration in the Animated Feature Film category for the 98th Academy Awards, set to take place on March 15, 2026. A strong contingent of anime features, including highly anticipated titles like Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Infinity Castle, Chainsaw Man – The Movie: Reze Arc, Scarlet, and ChaO, are among the 35 animated films vying for a nomination.
This announcement marks a significant moment for Japanese animation, as several prominent works enter the competitive Oscar race. While some films still need to fulfill specific qualifying release requirements, their inclusion on the eligibility list sets the stage for what could be a historic year for anime at the Academy Awards.
A Look at the Eligible Anime Contenders
Among the 35 animated features deemed eligible for the 2026 Oscars, a diverse array of anime films has captured attention. These include:
- Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Infinity Castle: This latest installment in the hugely popular franchise is being heavily campaigned by Crunchyroll, who believes it represents a strong chance for a non-Ghibli anime to gain Oscar recognition.
- Chainsaw Man – The Movie: Reze Arc: Director Tatsuya Yoshihara’s film based on the popular manga and anime series, produced by studio MAPPA, has garnered high reviews and is considered by some to be standalone enough for new viewers, potentially boosting its chances.
- Scarlet: From visionary Academy Award-nominated filmmaker Mamoru Hosoda (Mirai) and Studio Chizu, Scarlet had an Oscar qualifying run at the New York Film Festival in October 2025. The film, which tackles themes of life and death with action and romance, was originally slated for a December 2025 U.S. debut but was pushed to an early 2026 premiere.
- ChaO: Directed by Yasuhiro Aoki and produced by Studio 4°C, ChaO is another notable entry from Japan.
- Colorful Stage! The Movie: A Miku Who Can’t Sing: Directed by Hiroyuki Hata and from studio P.A. Works, this film also made the cut.
- Dragon Heart – Adventures Beyond This World: Directed by Isamu Imakake and produced by HS Pictures Studio, this film is also eligible.
- 100 Meters: Directed by Kenji Iwaisawa and studio ROCK’N ROLL MOUNTAIN, this feature adds to the list of Japanese animation.
- KPop Demon Hunters: Netflix’s animated film is considered a strong contender and has seen massive global success, with its soundtrack also generating buzz for Best Original Song and Score consideration.
- Lost in Starlight: Netflix’s first Korean-animated film is also among the eligible titles.
These films join a total of 35 animated features currently eligible for consideration in the prestigious category.
The Road to Nomination: Academy Rules and Timeline
For a film to officially qualify for an Oscar nomination, it must meet specific criteria outlined by the Academy. This includes a required qualifying release, typically meaning a theatrical run of at least one week in a major American metropolitan area before December 31, and compliance with all other category rules. Many of the eligible films are still working to fulfill these requirements.
The process for determining the five nominees in the Best Animated Feature category involves members of the Academy’s Animation Branch, who are automatically eligible to vote. Other Academy members are also invited to opt-in and participate, provided they meet a minimum viewing requirement.
The timeline for the 98th Academy Awards includes several key dates:
- Preliminary voting for select categories: Monday, December 8 to Friday, December 12, 2025.
- Shortlists for various categories (including Animated Shorts): Tuesday, December 16, 2025.
- Nominations announcement: Thursday, January 22, 2026.
- The 98th Oscars ceremony: Sunday, March 15, 2026.
Anime’s Expanding Presence at the Oscars
Historically, anime films have faced an uphill battle for Oscar recognition, with only two Japanese animated films ever winning the Best Animated Feature award: Studio Ghibli’s Spirited Away in 2003 and Hayao Miyazaki’s The Boy and the Heron in 2024. Even critically acclaimed and commercially successful films, such as Demon Slayer: Mugen Train, have failed to secure nominations in the past.
However, the growing global popularity and critical acclaim for anime, coupled with the Academy’s recent embrace of more international animation, suggest a potential shift. The extensive list of eligible anime films for the 2026 Oscars reflects the genre’s increasing prominence in the global film landscape. Crunchyroll is actively campaigning for Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Infinity Castle, hoping its stunning visuals and compelling storytelling will resonate with Academy voters. Similarly, Scarlet‘s festival circuit presence and KPop Demon Hunters‘ widespread success position them as strong contenders that could break through previous barriers.
As the Academy prepares for preliminary voting, the animation world watches with keen interest to see which of these diverse and compelling animated features will ultimately earn a coveted Oscar nomination.
