Oscars 2026 Update: 4 Indian Films Eligible for Best Picture, Kantara Leads the List

Indian cinema has made a strong presence on the global stage as four Indian films, including the Kannada blockbuster "Kantara: A Legend - Chapter 1", have been declared eligible for the Best Picture race at the Oscars 2026. The announcement was made by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, marking an important milestone ahead of the 98th Academy Awards.

Kantara: Chapter 1 Among Indian Films Eligible for Oscars 2026

Four Indian titles, including Rishabh Shetty’s "Kantara: A Legend - Chapter 1" and the Hindi film "Tanvi The Great", are among the 201 feature films eligible to compete for the Best Picture award at Oscars 2026, the Academy confirmed.

The Academy released the Reminder List of Productions Eligible for the 98th Academy Awards on Thursday. This list includes films that have met the eligibility criteria required for consideration in general categories such as Best Picture, ahead of the official nominations.

Full List of Indian Films on the Oscars 2026 Reminder List

Indian Titles Included

Besides "Kantara: A Legend - Chapter 1" and Anupam Kher’s directorial "Tanvi The Great", the other Indian productions on the list are:

• "Mahavatar Narsimha" – a multilingual animated feature

• "Tourist Family" – a Tamil-language film by first-time filmmaker Abishan Jeevinth

Additionally, Radhika Apte-starrer "Sister Midnight", a Hindi-language UK–India co-production, has also been included in the eligibility reminder list.

How Many Films Are Eligible at the Oscars 2026?

Total Numbers Explained

According to the Academy:

• 317 feature films are eligible for the 98th Academy Awards

• 201 films meet the additional eligibility requirements needed for Best Picture consideration

Being included in the reminder list does not guarantee a nomination. All films must still go through the Academy’s voting process.

Eligibility Rules for Oscars 2026 Explained

General Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for general categories, feature films must:

• Open in a commercial motion picture theatre in at least one of six US metropolitan areas:

  • Los Angeles County

  • New York City

  • Bay Area

  • Chicago

  • Dallas–Fort Worth

  • Atlanta

• Release between January 1 and December 31, 2025

• Complete a minimum seven consecutive days theatrical run at the same venue

Special Requirements for Best Picture Consideration

Additional Standards

For Best Picture eligibility, films must:

• Meet all general eligibility conditions

• Submit a confidential Academy Representation and Inclusion Standards Entry (RAISE) form

• Fulfil at least two of the four Academy inclusion standards

• Complete an expanded theatrical run, which includes:

  • A seven-day run (consecutive or non-consecutive)

  • In 10 of the top 50 US markets

  • Within 45 days of the film’s initial release in 2025

India’s Presence in International Feature Film Category

Shortlist Announcement

In December 2025, the Academy unveiled its Oscars shortlists for 12 categories, including International Feature Film.

Neeraj Ghaywan’s "Homebound", India’s official entry for this year, has made it to the list of 15 films shortlisted in the category.

When Are Oscars 2026 Nominations and Ceremony?

Key Dates to Know

• Nominations Announcement: January 22

• 98th Academy Awards Ceremony: March 15

• Total Categories Awarded: 24

Each category will have five nominees, except Best Picture, which will feature 10 films.

How Best Picture Winners Are Chosen

Best Picture nominations are determined by eligible members from all 19 Academy branches.
All rounds of voting are conducted through a secret online ballot, ensuring confidentiality and fairness.

Why This Is Significant for Indian Cinema

The inclusion of multiple Indian films across languages and formats—Kannada, Hindi, Tamil, animation, and international co-productions—highlights the growing global recognition of Indian storytelling and production quality.