Record Number of Documentaries Vie for Oscar Glory as Eligibility Lists Revealed

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has announced the official eligibility lists for the 98th Oscars. A total of 201 documentary features are in contention for the prestigious award. This is one of the highest totals in the category’s history.

The lists also include 86 international features and 35 animated films. Voting for shortlists begins in December. The full nominations will be revealed on January 22, 2026.

Notable Contenders and Surprising Omissions Mark Documentary Race

This year’s documentary field is exceptionally competitive. According to The Hollywood Reporter, frontrunners include Netflix’s The Perfect Neighbor and Neon’s Orwell: 2+2=5. Celebrity-directed films about famous parents, like Ben Stiller’s Stiller & Meara: Nothing Is Lost, also feature prominently.

Several documentaries addressing recent Middle East turmoil are eligible. These include Torn: The Israel-Palestine Poster War on New York City Streets. A notable omission is Ben Proudfoot’s The Eyes of Ghana, which is being held for next awards season.

International and Animated Categories Showcase Global Cinema Powerhouses

The international feature category is packed with acclaimed titles. Neon distributes several strong contenders, including South Korea’s No Other Choice and France’s It Was Just an Accident. The latter film won the Palme d’Or at Cannes.

The animated feature race includes massive blockbusters and critical darlings. Crunchyroll’s Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Infinity Castle is now the highest-grossing Japanese film of all time. Neon’s French-language indie Arco, produced by Natalie Portman, is also in the running. Some anticipated sequels, however, are absent from the list.

The Oscar eligibility lists set the stage for a fiercely competitive awards season. These records highlight the vibrant and diverse state of global filmmaking. The journey to the 98th Academy Awards is officially underway.

Info at your fingertips

How many documentaries are eligible for an Oscar this year?

There are 201 documentary features eligible for the best documentary feature Oscar. This is a near-record number for the category, showcasing a huge year for non-fiction filmmaking.

Which major animated films are in the running?

Major eligible animated films include *Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Infinity Castle* and Disney’s *Zootopia 2*. Netflix’s *KPop Demon Hunters*, its most-watched film ever, is also competing.

What is the most notable film missing from the lists?

The most glaring omission is *The Eyes of Ghana* from Oscar-winner Ben Proudfoot. The film did not seek eligibility this season and is being held for the next awards cycle.

When will the Oscar nominations be announced?

Nominations voting will take place from January 12 to 16, 2026. The official nominations for the 98th Academy Awards will be announced on January 22, 2026.

Which country submitted a documentary for Best International Feature?

Ukraine submitted the documentary *2000 Meters to Andriivka*. The film is about a Ukrainian platoon’s fight against Russian invaders and is directed by past Oscar winner Mstyslav Chernov.