“Demon Slayer, Chainsaw Man Among 2026 Oscar-Eligible Anime Films”
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has released a list of films eligible for the 2026 Oscars. This announcement covers various categories, including Animated Feature, International Feature, and Documentary Feature.
Eligible Anime Films for the 2026 Oscars
Among the 35 films qualifying for the Animated Feature category, several anime titles stand out. Key entries include:
- Demon Slayer
- Chainsaw Man
- KPop Demon Hunters (Sony Pictures Animation)
- Lost in Starlight (Netflix’s first Korean-animated film)
These selections highlight the growing recognition of anime in global cinema. However, for full qualification, these films must screen in at least one theater in six major U.S. metropolitan areas for a minimum of one week by December 31.
International Feature and Other Categories
Japan’s entry for the International Feature category is the film Kokuho. This showcases the country’s continuing contribution to international cinema.
For the 2026 Oscars, the timelines for nominations and announcements are crucial:
- Shortlisted films for multiple categories will be revealed on December 16, 2025.
- Nominations will be announced on January 22, 2026.
- The 98th Academy Awards ceremony is scheduled for March 15, 2026.
Recent Achievements in Animation
In recent years, notable achievements in animation have included:
- Hayao Miyazaki and Studio Ghibli’s The Boy and the Heron received the Best Animated Feature at the 96th Academy Awards in 2024.
- Godzilla Minus One by Takashi Yamazaki and TOHO won Best Visual Effects.
- Toei Animation’s Magic Candies was nominated for Best Animated Short Film during the 97th Academy Awards, held in March 2025.
As the 2026 Oscars approach, the spotlight remains on anime films, including Demon Slayer and Chainsaw Man. Their potential nominations will undoubtedly draw attention to the anime genre on a prestigious platform.
