The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS) has officially announced the list of 201 feature films eligible for the Best Picture category at the upcoming 98th Academy Awards. These films have fulfilled all additional eligibility requirements beyond the general submission criteria, marking a crucial step in the Oscar race.
As the awards season intensifies, Indian cinema appears to be edging closer to another global breakthrough. Among the eligible titles are Kantara: Chapter 1 and Tanvi: The Great, both of which have met all necessary qualification standards to remain in contention. Their inclusion places Indian storytelling firmly on the international radar, competing alongside some of the world’s most talked-about films.
Earlier, in November 2025, the Academy had also announced eligible films across various categories, including documentaries, further reinforcing the rigorous selection process. While India’s official submission Homebound continues its own journey, the presence of independently submitted Indian films signals a broader shift.
Indian cinema is no longer just participating in the Oscars conversation, it is steadily asserting its place, inching closer to recognition on cinema’s biggest stage.
