The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has unveiled its latest shortlists for the upcoming Oscars, with three notable animated features advancing in the race for the coveted awards. The announcement was made on December 16, 2025, marking a key milestone on the road to the 97th Academy Awards ceremony.
Films Moving Closer to Oscar Nominations
The shortlisted titles include 'Sinners,' 'Wicked: For Good,' and 'KPop Demon Hunters.' Their advancement signifies they have cleared a significant hurdle, having been selected from a broader field of contenders to remain in consideration for official Oscar nominations. The shortlists are determined by votes from Academy members within specific branches, in this case, the Short Films and Feature Animation branch.
While the official nominations will be announced later, making it onto this shortlist is a major achievement and a strong indicator of industry recognition. The films will now be screened for the branch's members, who will then vote to select the final nominees.
The Road to the 97th Academy Awards
The Oscar shortlisting process is designed to narrow down the field in several categories, including Animated Feature, Documentary Feature, and International Feature Film, among others. For animated films, this step is crucial, as it highlights the works deemed most outstanding by peers in the animation field.
The final nominations for all categories, including Best Animated Feature, will be revealed in early 2026. The 97th Oscars ceremony is then scheduled to take place in late March 2026, continuing the tradition of honoring cinematic excellence from the previous year.
What This Means for Animated Cinema
The progression of these three diverse films—'Sinners,' 'Wicked: For Good,' and 'KPop Demon Hunters'—showcases the vibrant range of storytelling and artistic technique present in contemporary animation. From likely musical adaptations to genre-blending action and deeper thematic narratives, the shortlist reflects the medium's expanding boundaries.
For the filmmakers and studios behind these projects, this recognition can significantly boost a film's profile, leading to increased audience interest and commercial opportunities. The announcement on December 16th sets the stage for an exciting and competitive awards season in the animation world.
