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Since the Demon Slayer Infinity Castle movie was released in theaters, fans knew that there was a shift in the world of anime. Then, soon, Chainsaw Man Reze movie followed, and all of the anime community was hyped to watch masterpieces in their nearest cinema halls. That is why now the road to the 2026 Oscars has become exciting for fans. Recently, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has officially revealed the list of films eligible for consideration across multiple categories, and this year’s Animated Feature lineup is packed with some of the most anticipated Japanese titles of the decade.
Right now, there are 35 films that are eligible under this category. Although there are a few that still need to have a theatrical screening in one of six major U.S. metropolitan areas. Another condition these films need to meet is that they also have to be released before December 31, 2025, to be qualified. If all of them end up meeting the criteria, then comes the next step, where only five of them will ultimately get officially nominated.
The competition every year is cut-throat, but this time anime fans are hopeful because this year all of them are breaking records like it is a piece of cake. Ufotable and Mappa Studio are on a generational run by releasing movies like Demon Slayer Infinity Castle and Chainsaw Man Reze movie. Additionally, we also know that a Jujutsu Kaisen movie is on the horizon, which is getting to claim a spot in the nomination.
Even after months of these movies being released, fans still cannot stop talking about them. Demon Slayer has started the final arc with a bang, and the quality of animation remains unmatched in comparision to other western animated movies. Additionally, Chainsaw Man has delivered an action-packed yet emotionally vulnerable story that no one was expecting to do so well at the box office.
The Japanese and anime-related films in contention
This year features a surprisingly strong wave of anime and Japan-related animated films. Among the most notable entries are:
- Demon Slayer Infinity Castle (Dir. Haruo Sotozaki, ufotable)
- Chainsaw Man – The Movie: Reze Arc (Dir. Tatsuya Yoshihara, MAPPA)
- Scarlet (Dir. Mamoru Hosoda, Studio Chizu)
- ChaO (Dir. Yasuhiro Aoki, Studio 4°C)
- COLORFUL STAGE! The Movie: A Miku Who Can't Sing (P.A. Works)
- Dragon Heart – Adventures Beyond This World (HS Pictures Studio)
- 100 Meters (ROCK’N ROLL MOUNTAIN)
Two Korean animated films, KPop Demon Hunters and Netflix’s Lost in Starlight, also join the list, marking an important expansion in Asian animated cinema’s global visibility. While Japan’s official submission for the International Feature category is Kokuho, eyes remain firmly on the Animated Feature shortlist, which will be announced on December 16.
Do Demon Slayer Infinity Castle and Chainsaw Man have a real chance?
According to ongoing industry discussions and some intense debates in the fandoms, it seems like both Demon Slayer and Chainsaw Man face some difficulties on the road to being shortlisted. If we look at the pattern of the Academy members, they historically lean toward films that are:
- Standalone and accessible
- Narratively complete
- Festival-tested
- Artistically distinct from TV continuations
This is where Demon Slayer struggles most. Despite its breathtaking animation and massive global success, Infinity Castle is a direct continuation of an ongoing story. The audience is expected to know a lot of backstory, and it also ends with a cliffhanger as Infinity Castle is part of a trilogy. Unfortunately, it has all the traits the animation branch has consistently rejected.
On the other hand, Chainsaw Man’s Reze Arc is in a slightly better position. The arc is structured more like a self-contained film with a clear beginning, middle, and end. But even then, as critics point out, it is still a TV-to-film continuation, lacking the festival circuit presence the Academy tends to prioritize.
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Final thoughts
Even if Demon Slayer Infinity Castle or Chainsaw Man Reze movie does not make it into the final nomination, it has ultimately managed to win the hearts of the fandom. While many are leaning towards these types of movies getting an Oscar, it is because they want the world to know masterpieces. In the end, their presence on the eligibility list is proof of how far anime has come and how much the industry continues to grow on the global stage.
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