The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has released the official list of films eligible for consideration in three major categories — Animated Feature Film, Documentary Feature Film and International Feature Film — signalling that the 98th Oscar season is now firmly underway.
A total of 35 animated features have qualified this year, paving the way for a likely five-title shortlist, provided all entries meet the remaining eligibility rules before year's end. Several films are still awaiting their mandatory qualifying theatrical run. Members of the Academy's Animation Branch will vote automatically, while non-branch members may opt in if they meet the minimum viewing requirement.
Animated features may also be considered in other Oscar categories, including Best Picture — a feat achieved most recently by Pixar's "Toy Story 3" in 2010 and "Up" in 2009.
This year's eligible roster also includes animated films submitted by their countries in the International Feature Film race, as seen in 2024 when "Flow" earned nominations in both categories.
Meanwhile, 201 titles have been declared eligible for Documentary Feature Film. As with animation, several entries must still complete their qualifying releases. Documentaries that have won approved festival awards or have been submitted as their countries' international entries may also compete here. While documentaries frequently cross into other Oscar races, none has ever secured a Best Picture nomination. The Documentary Branch will determine the shortlist and the final nominees, with the 15-title shortlist scheduled for announcement on December 16, 2025, alongside shortlists for Animated and Live Action Shorts.
In the International Feature Film category, 86 countries and regions have submitted entries. The category, formerly known as Best Foreign Language Film, accepts feature-length titles produced outside the United States with a predominantly non-English dialogue track.
This year's selection reflects evolving submission rules that allow countries to enter films not necessarily in their national language — such as the Cannes Palme d'Or winner "It Was Just an Accident", directed by Iranian filmmaker Jafar Panahi but submitted by France due to production and political considerations.
Academy members across all branches may opt in to vote in the preliminary round, provided they meet viewing minimums. The 15-film shortlist will also be revealed on 16 December.
Preliminary Oscar voting opens December 8, 2025 and closes December 12, 2025. Nominations for the 98th Academy Awards will be announced on January 22, 2026, with the ceremony set for March 15, 2026 at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood. The event will air live on ABC and be broadcast across more than 200 territories.