The race for the 2026 Academy Awards has intensified as the list of visual effects finalists has been confirmed. A total of 20 films, representing a mix of blockbuster hits and franchise entries, were selected by the Academy, with major studios such as Disney, Warner Bros., Universal Pictures, Paramount, and Netflix dominating the lineup. This announcement comes just ahead of the Thanksgiving holiday.
Leading the pack, Disney has the highest representation with seven films among the finalists. Notable entries include James Cameron’s much-anticipated “Avatar: Fire and Ash,” which is the third installment of the acclaimed franchise, and “Predator: Badlands,” directed by Dan Trachtenberg, marking the seventh film in the iconic sci-fi-horror series. Both films are scheduled to screen for guild members and critics starting on November 30.
Marvel Studios also secured two spots with its superhero blockbusters, “The Fantastic Four: First Steps” and “Captain America: Brave New World.” Additionally, Walt Disney Pictures contributes with “Lilo and Stitch” and “Tron: Ares.”
Warner Bros. Discovery follows closely, showcasing four films including Bong Joon Ho’s black comedy “Mickey 17” and Ryan Coogler’s gothic drama “Sinners.” The studio also co-distributed “F1,” featuring Brad Pitt, in collaboration with Apple Original Films, which also garnered attention with the survival thriller “The Lost Bus,” starring Matthew McConaughey and America Ferrera.
Universal Pictures made a significant impact with three titles: “Wicked: For Good,” directed by Jon M. Chu, the live-action remake “How to Train Your Dragon,” and “Jurassic World: Rebirth.” Netflix’s contributions include Guillermo del Toro’s “Frankenstein,” which is positioned as a frontrunner for Best Picture, alongside “The Electric State,” directed by Anthony and Joe Russo.
The finalists were not publicly released by the Academy, which declined to comment on the films advancing to the next round. The preliminary voting for the Oscars shortlist begins on December 8 at 09:00 PT and concludes on December 12 at 17:00 PT. The official shortlists for 12 categories will be announced on December 16.
Following this, the visual effects bake-offs are scheduled for January 10 and 11, where the final ten films will present to branch members for consideration of nominations. Voting for all branches will take place between January 12 and 16, with the nominations set to be unveiled on January 22. The 98th Academy Awards are slated for March 15, 2026.
The complete list of the Top 20 finalists is as follows:
– “Avatar: Fire and Ash” (20th Century Studios)
– “Captain America: Brave New World” (Marvel Studios)
– “The Electric State” (Netflix)
– “F1” (Apple Original Films/Warner Bros.)
– “The Fantastic Four: First Steps” (Marvel Studios)
– “Frankenstein” (Netflix)
– “How to Train Your Dragon” (Universal Pictures)
– “Jurassic World: Rebirth” (Universal Pictures)
– “Lilo and Stitch” (Walt Disney Pictures)
– “The Lost Bus” (Apple Original Films)
– “Mickey 17” (Warner Bros.)
– “A Minecraft Movie” (Warner Bros.)
– “Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning” (Paramount Pictures)
– “Predator: Badlands” (20th Century Studios)
– “The Running Man” (Paramount Pictures)
– “Sinners” (Warner Bros.)
– “Superman” (DC Studios)
– “Thunderbolts” (Marvel Studios)
– “Tron: Ares” (Walt Disney Pictures)
– “Wicked: For Good” (Universal Pictures)
As the countdown to the Oscars continues, the visual effects category is shaping up to be one of the most competitive yet, highlighting the innovation and creativity of the film industry.
