A significant wave of anime films has been confirmed eligible for consideration in the Best Animated Feature category at the upcoming 98th Academy Awards, set to take place on March 15, 2026. Among the 35 features vying for a coveted nomination are major titles such as “Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba – The Movie: Infinity Castle,” “Chainsaw Man – The Movie: Reze Arc,” Mamoru Hosoda’s “Scarlet,” and Studio 4°C’s “ChaO,” signaling a growing presence for Japanese animation on the global awards stage.
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences recently announced the comprehensive list of films that have met the initial eligibility criteria for the Best Animated Feature category, alongside those for Documentary and International Feature films. While eligibility is the first step, these films must still fulfill all qualifying requirements, including theatrical releases, to advance in the voting process.
A Closer Look at the Eligible Anime Films
The inclusion of these prominent anime titles highlights the genre’s increasing critical and commercial impact worldwide.
Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba – The Movie: Infinity Castle
“Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba – The Movie: Infinity Castle” is a highly anticipated entry, building on the immense global success of the “Demon Slayer” franchise. The film continues the epic saga of Tanjiro Kamado and his companions as they confront powerful demons. Its stunning visuals and gripping storytelling have made it a box office phenomenon, with Crunchyroll President Rahul Purini affirming the studio’s commitment to its Oscar consideration. Despite its popularity, previous “Demon Slayer” films have faced an uphill battle for Oscar nominations due to the Academy’s historical preference for original, standalone narratives over franchise continuations.
Chainsaw Man – The Movie: Reze Arc
Another high-profile eligible film is “Chainsaw Man – The Movie: Reze Arc.” Based on the popular manga series, this movie focuses on the fan-favorite Reze arc, offering a blend of intense action and intricate character development. While some observers note that the Academy’s animation branch has a tendency to overlook TV-to-film continuations, “Chainsaw Man – The Movie: Reze Arc” is perceived by some as having a slightly better chance than “Demon Slayer” due to its more standalone narrative structure.
Scarlet
Visionary filmmaker Mamoru Hosoda’s latest work, “Scarlet,” has also secured its eligibility. The film, described as a powerful, time-bending animated adventure about a medieval-era princess seeking to avenge her father’s death, had its world premiere at the Venice International Film Festival and held an Oscar-qualifying run at the New York Film Festival in October 2025. Distributed by Sony Pictures Classics in North America, “Scarlet” is expected to have a wider release in early 2026, following its awards-qualifying run. Hosoda, known for critically acclaimed films like “Mirai” (an Oscar nominee), often explores themes of family, technology, and identity, which may resonate with Academy voters.
ChaO
Studio 4°C’s “ChaO,” a Japanese animated film directed by Yasuhiro Aoki, is also among the 35 eligible features. The film debuted in Japanese theaters in August 2025 and has been licensed by GKIDS for North American distribution. Studio 4°C is recognized for its distinctive animation style and has previously contributed to notable projects in the anime industry.
The Path to an Oscar Nomination
For these 35 animated features, eligibility is merely the first hurdle. To secure one of the five nomination slots for Best Animated Feature, films must undergo a rigorous process. Members of the Academy’s Animation Branch are automatically eligible to vote, and other Academy members can opt-in if they meet specific viewing requirements. Films submitted in this category can also qualify for consideration in other categories, including Best Picture.
The criteria for an animated feature film include having a running time of more than 40 minutes, with animation comprising no less than 75% of the picture’s running time, and a significant number of major characters being animated.
Anime’s Growing Presence at the Academy Awards
While only a handful of anime films have historically won Oscars – notably Hayao Miyazaki’s “Spirited Away” (2003) and “The Boy and the Heron” (2024) – the increased number of eligible titles signals a shift in the Academy’s recognition of global animation. The success of international animated features like “Flow” in recent award seasons further indicates a more unpredictable and open race, potentially benefiting films that might have been overlooked in the past.
Preliminary voting for the 98th Academy Awards is scheduled to begin in December 2025, with shortlists announced later that month. Nominations for the 98th Academy Awards will be revealed on January 22, 2026, setting the stage for the ceremony on March 15, 2026. The robust selection of eligible anime films promises an exciting and diverse competition for the prestigious award.
