Oscars 2026 will be a great experience for Indians this year. Indian cinema has achieved another proud moment on the global stage. The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has announced that four Indian films are in the race for the Best Picture category at the Academy Awards 2026.
The Academy recently released the initial list of eligible films for the 98th Academy Awards, which includes 201 films competing for Best Picture out of a total of 317 eligible entries.
Indian Films in the Best Picture Race
The Indian films that have made it to this important eligibility list include:
- Kantara: A Legend – Chapter 1, starring Rishab Shetty
- Tanvi The Great, directed by Anupam Kher
- Mahavatara Narasimha
- Tourist Family, directed by Abhishan Jeevith
In addition to these, the Hindi film Sister Midnight, starring Radhika Apte, is also shortlisted. The film is a joint production between India and the UK.
What Does the Eligibility List Mean?
Being part of the initial eligibility list does not guarantee a nomination. These films will now go through the Academy’s official voting process. The final Oscar nominations will be announced on January 22.
To qualify for general Oscar categories, films must meet strict release rules.
It will be released theatrically between January 1 and December 31, 2025, and screened for at least seven days in one of the following US regions:
- Los Angeles County
- New York City
- Bay Area
- Chicago
- Dallas–Fort Worth
- Atlanta
Oscar Ceremony Details
The 98th Academy Awards ceremony will take place on March 15. Awards are presented across 24 categories. Most categories will have five nominees, while Best Picture will feature 10 nominations.
A Big Moment for Indian Cinema
Having multiple Indian films in the Best Picture eligibility list highlights the growing global impact of Indian storytelling. While the final nominations are yet to be announced, this achievement itself marks a major step forward for Indian cinema on the world stage.
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