The Oscars announced Tuesday that 317 feature films will be considered at the 98th Academy Awards, including 201 films in the Best Picture race.
The Academy said the 201 films eligible for Best Picture met additional eligibility requirements beyond general entry, including expanded theatrical release and submission of the confidential Academy Expression and Inclusion Standards Entry (RAISE) form. Films had to meet at least two of the Academy’s four listing criteria and complete a qualifying theatrical release in at least 10 of the top 50 U.S. markets within 45 days of initial release in 2025.
For some year-end releases, Best Picture eligibility remains provisional. Films that do not complete their planned expanded theatrical run by January 22, 2026 may be removed from contention. Distributors and producers were also given the option to opt out of consideration for the best films.
To qualify for the General Entry category, a feature film must be released in commercial movie theaters for at least seven consecutive days in one of six designated U.S. metropolitan areas (Los Angeles County, New York City, Bay Area, Chicago, Dallas-Fort Worth, and Atlanta) between January 1 and December 31, 2025. Additionally, eligible films must have a running time of over 40 minutes.
The academy previously announced the shortlists for 12 artisan categories.
A total of 24 categories will be recognized at the award ceremony. There are five nominees in each category, with 10 for Best Picture. Best Picture nominees are determined by eligible members of all 19 Academy categories. All Oscar votes are cast by secret online voting and compiled by independent accounting firm PricewaterhouseCoopers.
Nomination voting begins on Monday, January 12th and ends on Friday, January 16th. The official nominations for the 98th Academy Awards will be announced on Thursday, January 22nd. The 98th Academy Awards will be held on Sunday, March 15th at the Dolby Theater and will be broadcast live on ABC in more than 200 territories around the world.
The complete list of eligible Best Picture nominees is below.
