The list of films eligible for the upcoming 98th Academy Awards (Oscars 2026) has been announced, and over 300 films have qualified for major categories including Best Animated Feature, Best Documentary, and Best International Feature.
Two of the most talked-about films among the contenders are Mahavatar Narsimha (from India) and KPop Demon Hunters (from Netflix), both competing in the Best Animated Feature category.
What’s in the Running
- The animation race includes 35 films, among them Mahavatar Narsimha, KPop Demon Hunters, Zootopia 2, Elio, Chainsaw Man – Reze Arc, Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle, and several others.
- For documentaries, a whopping 201 films are eligible, making this the largest documentary lineup in recent years.
- The International Feature Film category has 86 eligible entries from around the world.
Top 10 Films to Watch Out For at the Oscars 2026
1. Mahavatar Narsimha (India) – Best Animated Feature
A mythological Indian animated film creating massive buzz. Strong visuals, cultural storytelling, and global attention make it a top contender.
2. KPop Demon Hunters (Netflix / South Korea–US) – Best Animated Feature
A worldwide streaming hit with 541 million+ viewing hours, now officially Oscar-eligible after a theatrical run. A fan-favourite in animation.
3. Zootopia 2 (USA) – Best Animated Feature
Disney’s major release and likely a strong frontrunner, backed by global appeal and big franchise power.
4. Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle (Japan) – Best Animated Feature
A huge anime entry with a massive fanbase. Japanese animation has strong Oscar history, making this a real challenger.
5. Elio (Pixar) – Best Animated Feature
Pixar always finds a place in the race. Elio is emotional, stylish, and getting early praise.
6. Four Daughters (Tunisia) – Best Documentary
A powerful real-life story blending documentary and drama. Critics have been calling it one of the most important films of the year.
7. Soundtrack to a Coup d’État (Belgium) – Best Documentary
A political documentary with huge festival buzz. A favourite among Academy voters who like historical storytelling.
8. Sugarcane (USA) – Best Documentary
A heartbreaking investigation into Indigenous school abuse. Strong emotional appeal makes it a top contender.
9. Homebound (India) – Best International Feature
India’s entry for the International Feature category. Emotional, personal, and rooted in Indian storytelling, it’s gaining steady attention.
10. The Seed of the Sacred Fig (Iran) – Best International Feature
Won major awards at international film festivals. A politically charged drama that critics say could easily enter the final nominations.
Why This Matters
Mahavatar Narsimha is especially significant as it is an Indian animated film marking a strong presence for Indian animation on the global stage.
KPop Demon Hunters is a global hit: the film reportedly logged over 541 million viewing hours worldwide on Netflix before its eligible theatrical run, boosting its visibility.
The broad spread of entries across animation, documentary, and international categories shows the Oscars are casting a wide net, offering many films a chance for global recognition.
What Happens Next
The film members of the Academy will next trim the lists: for documentary and international films, eligible titles will first be narrowed to a shortlist, and eventually to final nominees.
The final nominees for Best Animated Feature, Best Documentary, and Best International Feature will likely be announced in early 2026.
The Oscars ceremony is expected to be held in March 2026, when the winners across categories will be revealed.
This year’s Oscars race looks wider and more competitive than ever, giving diverse films from across the world a shot at the top.