The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has released the full list of films eligible for recognition at the upcoming 98th Academy Awards. For the 2023 season, a total of **201 documentary features**, **86 international features**, and **35 animated features** are vying for nominations in their respective categories. This announcement, made on Friday, highlights a competitive year for filmmakers across various genres.
The number of eligible documentaries this year is notable, although it falls short of the record **238** set during the pandemic-affected eligibility period from **January 1, 2020, to February 28, 2021**. That year, the eligibility window was extended, allowing more films to compete, including those that did not have theatrical releases. This year’s list features significant titles, including **Netflix’s The Perfect Neighbor** and **Apocalypse in the Tropics**, as well as **Apple’s Come See Me in the Good Light**.
Several documentaries directed by celebrities are also included, such as **HBO’s My Mom Jayne**, directed by **Mariska Hargitay**, and **Apple’s Stiller & Meara: Nothing Is Lost**, directed by **Ben Stiller**. The list also reflects contemporary global issues, with films addressing recent turmoil in the Middle East like **Torn: The Israel-Palestine Poster War on New York City Streets**.
A notable absence from the documentary list is **The Eyes of Ghana**, directed by two-time Oscar winner **Ben Proudfoot**. The film is currently seeking distribution, and it was confirmed that a decision was made to hold it for next year’s awards season.
In the international features category, the Academy received submissions from **86 countries**, showcasing a diverse array of films. Among the standout contenders are **Norway’s Sentimental Value**, **Brazil’s The Secret Agent**, **South Korea’s No Other Choice**, **Spain’s Sirāt**, and **France’s It Was Just an Accident**. The latter, directed by **Jafar Panahi**, won the prestigious Palme d’Or at the Cannes Film Festival, but its controversial content led Iran to submit a different film, **Cause of Death: Unknown**.
Other noteworthy submissions include **Japan’s Kokuho**, a film about kabuki performers that has become the highest-grossing non-animated film in Japan’s history, and **Denmark’s Mr. Nobody Against**, which critiques propaganda efforts by **Vladimir Putin**.
The animated feature category is equally competitive this year, with blockbusters like **Crunchyroll’s Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Infinity Castle**, which has shattered box office records, alongside streaming successes such as **Netflix’s KPop Demon Hunters**. Independent films like **Neon’s Arco**, featuring producers like **Natalie Portman**, also capture attention.
While many anticipated films are missing from the eligibility lists, including **A24’s Ne Zha 2** and **Sony’s Paddington in Peru**, the Academy’s voting process will narrow down the contenders. Shortlists for the documentary and international feature categories will be announced on **December 16, 2025**, following voting from **December 8-12, 2025**. Nominations voting will take place from **January 12-16, 2026**, with the final nominations revealed on **January 22, 2026**.
As the film community gears up for this year’s Oscars, the anticipation surrounding the nominees continues to build. The full lists of eligible films across the documentary, international, and animated categories underscore a vibrant and dynamic year in cinema.
