The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has announced this year’s eligible films for the Oscars. A total of 201 documentary features, 86 international features, and 35 animated films are up for consideration.
Interestingly, the highest number of documentaries ever considered was 238, during the pandemic when new rules allowed submissions from films not released in theaters.
Among the documentaries this year, several have already gained attention in the awards circuit. Notable titles include Netflix’s The Perfect Neighbor and Apocalypse in the Tropics, along with Apple’s Come See Me in the Good Light and Neon’s Orwell: 2+2=5. Celebrity-directed entries like HBO’s My Mom Jayne by Mariska Hargitay and Apple’s Stiller & Meara: Nothing Is Lost by Ben Stiller also made the list.
However, standout films like Ben Proudfoot’s The Eyes of Ghana and Questlove’s Sly Lives! were notably absent. The Hollywood Reporter clarified that The Eyes of Ghana is still seeking distribution, while other films didn’t comply with eligibility rules or weren’t submitted.
In the international feature category, five films are being heavily touted for nominations. These include Norway’s Sentimental Value and Brazil’s The Secret Agent, both of which are gaining traction in the U.S. marketplace. France’s It Was Just an Accident, directed by Jafar Panahi, won the prestigious Palme d’Or at Cannes, making it a strong contender.
Several countries have made intriguing submissions. For instance, Japan’s Kokuho has become the highest-grossing non-animated film in its history, and Iraq’s The President’s Cake won recognition at Cannes.
In animated films, Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Infinity Castle has broken records, becoming the highest-grossing Japanese film in history. It’s joined by Netflix’s KPop Demon Hunters, which has set streaming records.
Yet, several anticipated titles, like A24’s Ne Zha 2 and Sony’s Paddington in Peru, missed out on eligibility.
As for timelines, the shortlist for documentaries and international features will be announced on December 16, 2025. The awards nominations will follow shortly, with voting for nominations taking place from January 12 to January 16, 2026.
This year’s mix of films highlights the evolving landscape of cinema, showcasing diverse stories and creators from around the world. As the awards approach, audience anticipation will surely build. For the complete lists of eligible films, check the Academy’s official site.
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