The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences revealed the full lists of films eligible for recognition in the upcoming 98th Academy Awards. A total of 201 documentary features, 86 international features, and 35 animated features have qualified for consideration in their respective categories.
The number of eligible documentaries this year is significant but falls short of the record 238 features from the 2021 awards season, when the eligibility window was extended due to the pandemic. This year’s list includes prominent titles that have garnered attention at various precursor awards, such as Netflix’s The Perfect Neighbor and Apocalypse in the Tropics, as well as Apple’s Come See Me in the Good Light and Neon’s Orwell: 2+2=5.
Notably, the list features documentaries directed by celebrities about their famous parents, including My Mom Jayne, directed by Mariska Hargitay, and Stiller & Meara: Nothing Is Lost, directed by Ben Stiller. Additionally, several films address recent conflicts in the Middle East, such as Torn: The Israel-Palestine Poster War on New York City Streets and Coexistence, My Ass!
One of the most significant omissions from the documentary list is The Eyes of Ghana, directed by Ben Proudfoot, a two-time Oscar-winning filmmaker. The film is currently seeking distribution, and it has been confirmed that a decision was made to defer its eligibility to the next awards season. Other high-profile documentaries expected to be included but absent due to non-submission or failure to meet eligibility criteria include Marc, directed by Sofia Coppola, and Sly Lives!, directed by Questlove.
International Features Show a Diverse Range
The list of eligible international features showcases films from around the globe, with 86 countries or regions submitting entries. Among these, five films are distributed in the U.S. by Neon, including Sentimental Value from Norway and The Secret Agent from Brazil. It Was Just an Accident, directed by Jafar Panahi, won the Palme d’Or at the Cannes Film Festival but was submitted by France instead of Iran, which opted for the less prominent Cause of Death: Unknown.
Countries such as Japan and Iraq have also made notable submissions. Japan’s Kokuho, a film about kabuki performers, has become the highest-grossing non-animated film in the country’s history. Iraq’s The President’s Cake received accolades at Cannes, while Belgium’s Young Mothers could mark the first Oscar nominations for the Dardenne brothers.
Several nations are also competing in the documentary category for international feature consideration, including Ukraine with 2000 Meters to Andriivka, which chronicles a Ukrainian platoon’s battle against Russian forces. North Macedonia’s The Tale of Silyan and Denmark’s Mr. Nobody Against, focusing on Vladimir Putin’s propaganda, are also in contention.
Animated Features Highlight Blockbusters and Indie Gems
In the animated feature category, the Academy has recognized 35 films eligible for consideration. Among these are major hits such as Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Infinity Castle, which has set records as the highest-grossing Japanese film of all time and the top international film in the U.S.
Streaming successes like KPop Demon Hunters have gained significant viewership on Netflix, while critically acclaimed independent films like Arco also make the list. Anticipated releases such as Zootopia 2 add to the excitement surrounding this year’s animated feature race.
Several expected contenders are missing from the list, including Ne Zha 2 and Paddington in Peru, which either did not meet submission criteria or failed to qualify.
As the awards season progresses, the documentary and international feature categories will be narrowed down to shortlists before the nominations are finalized. Voting for the shortlist will take place from December 8-12, 2025, with the shortlist announcement on December 16, 2025. Nominations voting will occur from January 12-16, 2026, with the official nominations announcement set for January 22, 2026.
The Academy’s announcement sets the stage for an exciting awards season, highlighting a diverse array of films that reflect both emerging talents and established filmmakers.
