Anime continues its historic rise in global cinema, and the upcoming awards cycle marks another milestone. Five major anime films are now officially eligible for the 2026 Academy Awards. This list reflects both the artistic growth of the medium as it continues to expand its influence beyond Japan.
Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Infinity Castle:
The next feature in the Demon Slayer saga arrives as a dark and emotional centerpiece for the franchise. “Infinity Castle” is expected to showcase some of the most visually ambitious animation in the series. Its immersive action sequences, careful character resolution and bold cinematic presentation make a strong argument for recognition in categories such as Animated Feature and possibly Original Score or Visual Effects. The series has repeatedly proven its cultural impact, and this film may be its strongest entry yet.
Chainsaw Man – The Movie: Reze Arc:
This film adapts one of the most beloved arcs from Tatsuki Fujimoto’s breakout hit. The Reze storyline is a fan favorite because of its balance between violent chaos and deep emotional vulnerability. The movie offers a blend of dramatic intimacy and raw visual energy that is rarely seen in animation. Its eligibility is a significant moment for a series that has already reshaped the anime landscape.
100 METERS:
“100 METERS” comes in as a very different kind of emotional work. This film focuses on human resilience and personal endurance through a grounded, introspective narrative. Rather than relying on spectacle, it carries itself through intimate character portraits and restrained direction. Its nomination eligibility strengthens the Academy’s recognition of quieter, more personal animated dramas that center on internal growth and human struggle.
COLORFUL STAGE! THE MOVIE: A MIKU WHO CAN’T SING:
This entry brings a fresh cultural flavor by incorporating virtual idol culture into film storytelling. Exploring the story of a Hatsune Miku who has lost her singing ability, the film dives into themes of identity, performance pressure and creative purpose. Its musical elements and striking art direction create an impactful experience. The movie also stands as an important snapshot of Vocaloid culture’s evolution from digital fandom niche to mainstream artistic expression.
Scarlet:
“Scarlet” presents an emotionally charged character drama wrapped in mature visual aesthetics. It features striking color palettes, a cohesive narrative flow and strong emotional beats that ground the film. This is the type of artistic work that appeals to Oscar voters who favor narrative clarity, visual language and thematic cohesion in animated storytelling.
ChaO:
“ChaO” stands out as one of the boldest visual and sensory anime films entered this year, built on experimental animation methods and emotionally abstract narrative design. It’s a film that pushes imagination without relying on conventional character arcs, instead drawing audiences into dream logic, symbolic environments and fluid identity. The Academy tends to reward works that expand animation as an art form, and “ChaO” has already earned a reputation as a rare piece of craft that blurs the line between cinema and moving sculpture. Its nomination signals recognition of risk, vision and artistic originality.
The Legend of Hei 2:
Building on the legacy of the original hit, “The Legend of Hei 2” returns with richer worldbuilding, more dynamic combat animation and a deeper emotional core. The sequel expands Hei’s journey beyond spirit-human conflict into a maturing story about trust, coexistence and the burden of power. Where the first film charmed viewers with its heart and elegance, this follow up in the franchise strengthens dramatic stakes and technical polish. Its nomination is significant as it represents the rise of Chinese produced anime style film as a global contender rather than a regional phenomenon, and it shows how far the franchise has evolved in narrative and visual ambition.
Anime qualifying for the Oscars is no longer an anomaly. It is a reflection of what happened at the box office during the second half of this year. Anime films dominated global ticket sales, repeatedly topping charts and outperforming live action releases. This eligibility list illustrates that audiences worldwide are not just watching anime, they are celebrating it. The Academy’s recognition feels like a long overdue acknowledgment that animation is not a genre but a medium, and right now some of the boldest cinematic voices are speaking through anime.
Source: Press Oscars
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