TL;DR
- The Oscar shortlists for the 98th Academy Awards (Oscars 2026) were unveiled across 12 categories including casting, cinematography, documentaries, international features, and music.
- Wicked: For Good and Sinners lead the lists with numerous mentions, signaling strong awards momentum.
- Several films from around the world made the shortlist in categories like Best International Feature Film and Documentary Feature.
- The new Best Casting category makes its debut this awards season, spotlighting films with outstanding ensemble work.
What Are the Oscars 2025 Shortlists and Why Do They Matter?
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has released its shortlists for the 98th Academy Awards, narrowing hundreds of eligible titles to a select group of finalists across 12 key Oscar categories. These shortlists represent the first major cut in the awards season and determine which films and songs will proceed to final nomination voting in January 2026.
Being shortlisted doesnโt guarantee a nomination, but it places films and talent among a competitive group under serious consideration by Academy voters ahead of the January 22 nominations announcement.
Standout Films Dominating the Shortlist
Two titles emerged as early frontrunners this year: Wicked: For Good and Sinners, each receiving the most mentions across various categories including cinematography, visual effects, and music. These films are now among the most watched likely contenders heading into nominations.
Other notable films making multiple shortlists include:
- Frankenstein โ shortlisted in casting, cinematography, sound, and visual effects.
- One Battle After Another โ highlighted in cinematography, sound, and more categories.
- Sirรขt โ a standout in international feature and other craft categories.
- Avatar: Fire and Ash and Tron: Ares โ earning music and technical shortlists.
These filmsโ strong appearances reflect both critical acclaim and the Academyโs broadening interest across genres and international cinema.
New Category: Best Casting and Expanded Recognition
This year the Oscars introduced a Best Casting shortlist, marking the first time casting directors are formally spotlighted before final nominations. Films competing in the Best Casting shortlist include Frankenstein, Hamnet, Weapons, The Secret Agent, Sentimental Value, and Wicked: For Good.
The addition of this category reflects the Academyโs effort to honor previously under-recognized contributions to filmmaking โ spotlighting the artistry behind assembling outstanding ensembles.
Global Films and Diverse Contenders Earn Recognition
The shortlists also highlight international and documentary cinema, with fifteen titles advancing in each of those categories. Among international feature films, contenders include works from Argentina, Brazil, Germany, India (Homebound), Japan (Kokuho), South Korea, Spain (Sirรขt), and more, showcasing the global breadth of films under Oscar consideration.
Documentary short and feature categories likewise reflect a wide range of voices and subjects from around the world, underscoring the Academyโs continuing emphasis on diverse and impactful nonfiction storytelling.
Music, Song & Technical Shortlists Highlight Industry Talent
In music categories, the shortlists for Original Score and Original Song include a mix of blockbuster franchises and indie favorites. Songs such as โGoldenโ from KPop Demon Hunters, โI Lied to Youโ and โLast Time (I Seen the Sun)โ from Sinners, and tracks from Wicked: For Good showcase the yearโs rich soundtrack landscape.
Technical shortlists for sound and visual effects also reflect a balance between franchise spectacle and innovative filmmaking, ensuring that both blockbuster and arthouse films remain in contention.
Whatโs Next in the Oscars Race?
With shortlists now confirmed, the Academyโs final nomination voting will take place in mid-January 2026, leading up to the official nominations reveal on January 22, 2026. The 98th Academy Awards ceremony will then take place on March 15, 2026 with Conan OโBrien slated to host.
Film fans and industry observers will be closely watching which shortlisted contenders actually secure nominations, and whether any surprise titles break through when the final ballots are counted.
