Oman today_ The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS) has released the latest list of films eligible to compete in the 2026 Oscars, following the Academy’s Governors Awards ceremony. The announcement covers three major categories: Best Animated Feature, Best Documentary Feature, and Best International Feature Film.
In the Best Animated Feature race for the 98th Academy Awards, a total of 35 films have qualified. However, as usual, only 5 titles will advance to the final nomination stage. Although animated films are allowed to compete in the Best Picture category, none have earned a nomination in that field since Toy Story 3 achieved the feat about 14 years ago. Before that, Beauty and the Beast received a Best Picture nomination in 1991, even before the creation of the Best Animated Feature category.
This year, 24 documentaries have met the initial eligibility requirements for Best Documentary Feature, though several still need to complete their qualifying theatrical runs. While documentaries can also compete for Best Picture, no documentary in the history of the Oscars has ever been nominated for the top prize. The preliminary shortlist for Best Documentary Feature, along with the shortlists for Best Animated Short Film and Best Live-Action Short Film, will be revealed on December 16.
In the International Feature Film category — previously known as Best Foreign Language Film — 68 countries have submitted entries this year. Iran is represented by Cause of Death: Unknown, though A Simple Accident, directed by Jafar Panahi and submitted by France, is considered a stronger contender. According to Academy rules, films in this category must run at least 40 minutes, include more than 50 percent non-English dialogue, and be produced outside the United States. Other notable contenders include Sentimental Value, starring Renate Reinsve and Elle Fanning, and No Other Choice by Park Chan-wook. The preliminary shortlist for this category will also be announced on December 16.
The final nominations for the 98th Academy Awards will be announced on January 22, 2026, and the awards ceremony is scheduled for March 15, 2026.