Academy Unveils Key Dates for the 98th Oscars Honoring 2025 Achievements

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has officially released the schedule detailing the preliminary review process for the 98th Academy Awards, recognizing cinematic achievements from the year 2025. This announcement specifically covers the eligibility lists for three major categories: Best International Feature Film, Best Documentary Feature, and Best Animated Feature Film. This release signals the commencement of the crucial preliminary voting phase. This initial ballot period is slated to run from Monday, December 8, 2025, through Friday, December 12, 2025. The grand event itself, where all official nominations will be revealed, is scheduled for Sunday, March 15, 2026, taking place at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood. Conan O’Brien is set to return as the host for this prestigious ceremony.

In the running for Best International Feature Film, the Academy has approved submissions originating from 86 different countries and territories. Among the notable contenders are the Spanish entry, Sirat, directed by Oliver Laxe, which secured the Jury Prize at the 2025 Cannes Film Festival, alongside India’s Home and Norway’s Sentimental Value. Adherence to Academy rules dictates that an international film must be produced entirely outside the United States and feature over 50 percent of its dialogue in languages other than English. The field for this category will be narrowed down to a shortlist of 15 films, which will be publicly announced on Tuesday, December 16, 2025.

The competition for Best Documentary Feature proved to be the most robust, boasting an impressive roster of 201 entries for initial consideration. This extensive list includes Albert Serra’s Late Nights of Solitude, a film that previously earned the Golden Shell award at the San Sebastián International Film Festival. Members of the Documentary Branch will now undertake the task of curating a shortlist of 15 selections. This documentary shortlist will also be unveiled on December 16, 2025. It is worth noting that films qualifying in this category remain eligible to compete for the coveted top prize, Best Picture.

Focusing on the realm of animation, the preliminary roster for Best Animated Feature Film comprises 35 full-length productions. This diverse selection features major studio offerings such as Zootopia 2, Elio, and Robot Dog. Alongside these are significant international releases, including K-Pop Demon Slayers and Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba – Hashira Training Arc. The shortlists for all three categories—International Feature, Documentary Feature, and Animated Feature—will be made public simultaneously on December 16, 2025, marking a pivotal day in the awards season timeline.

Bill Kramer, the Chief Executive Officer of the Film Academy, and Academy President Janet Yang both expressed their enthusiasm regarding Conan O’Brien’s reappointment as host. They highlighted that his performance during the 97th ceremony was instrumental in driving the broadcast to its highest viewership ratings in five years, attracting 19.7 million viewers. O’Brien himself offered a characteristic quip, joking that his primary motivation for returning was the chance “to hear Adrien Brody finish his speech,” a clear nod to the actor’s historically lengthy acceptance address. The broadcast of the 98th Academy Awards will be distributed by ABC across more than 200 territories globally, ensuring worldwide coverage of the event.