LOS ANGELES/NEW DELHI – The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has officially announced the list of films eligible for the upcoming 98th Academy Awards. In a major boost for South Asian cinema, five Indian productions have made the cut in the general entry categories, positioning them for a potential run in the prestigious Best Picture race.
According to a press release from the Academy, a total of 317 feature films are eligible for consideration this year. Out of these, 201 titles—including the five Indian entries—have met the specific requirements to compete for the night’s top prize, Best Picture.
The Indian Contenders
The 2026 eligibility list reflects the diversity of the Indian film industry, spanning across genres from mythological animation to gritty social dramas. The qualified films are:
- Kantara: A Legend – Chapter 1: Rishab Shetty’s highly anticipated prequel to his 2022 global phenomenon.
- Tanvi The Great: A passion project directed by veteran actor Anupam Kher, which recently celebrated 100 days in theatres.
- Tourist Family: A Tamil-language title directed by debutant filmmaker Abishan Jeevinth (produced by M. Sasikumar).
- Mahavatar Narsimha: A sprawling multilingual animated epic focusing on the Hindu deity.
- Sister Midnight: Starring Radhika Apte, this Hindi-language title is a unique UK-India co-production that has been making waves on the international festival circuit.
The Road to Qualification
To be included in this list, the Academy mandates strict theatrical requirements. For the 98th Awards, films must have:
- Opened in a commercial cinema in at least one of six major US metropolitan areas between January 1 and December 31, 2025.
- Completed a minimum qualifying run of seven consecutive days at the same venue.
- Maintained a running time of more than 40 minutes.
“A Huge Triumph”: Anupam Kher Reacts
Veteran actor-director Anupam Kher took to social media to share his “emotional” response to Tanvi The Great making the eligibility list. For Kher, the inclusion validates the hard work of his entire crew.
“Being in the list of top 200 films in the world finalized by the #98thAcademyAwards committee is already a huge TRIUMPH for team #TanviTheGreat! We worked very hard!” Kher wrote. “Having completed 100 days in theatres and being shortlisted by the Oscar selection committee validates our belief that hard work and sincerity always gets rewarded!”
Global Heavyweights in the Race
The Indian films find themselves in elite company. The eligibility list features some of the biggest blockbusters and critically acclaimed titles of the year, including:
- Sci-Fi/Action: Avatar: Fire and Ash, Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning, Superman, and Jurassic World Rebirth.
- Horror/Thriller: The Conjuring: Last Rites, M3GAN 2.0, and Nosferatu.
- Drama/Musicals: Wicked: For Good, Mickey 17, and The Life of Chuck.
What Happens Next?
Being on the eligibility list is the first hurdle. The Academy’s 10,000+ members will now begin the voting process.
- Nominations Announcement: Scheduled for January 22, 2026.
- The 98th Oscars Ceremony: Set to take place on March 15, 2026, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles.