Animated films have always held a special place in the hearts of audiences worldwide, but this year, the genre is making headlines for more reasons than just box office numbers. On November 27, 2025, the Academy of Motion Pictures and Sciences released its much-anticipated list of 35 films eligible for the Best Animated Feature Film category at the 98th Academy Awards, setting the stage for one of the most diverse and competitive races in recent memory. Among the contenders are global blockbusters, innovative sequels, and a notable entry from Indian cinema that has the industry buzzing.
One film that has been turning heads both domestically and internationally is Mahavatar Narsimha, a mythological epic directed by debut filmmaker Ashwin Kumar. According to Hindustan Times, this animated feature has not only shattered expectations at the box office, crossing an impressive ₹300 crore globally, but has also carved out a historic spot for itself by being listed among the 35 films eligible for the Oscar’s Best Animated Feature Film category. For an Indian animated film to reach this stage is no small feat, considering the global heavyweights it now stands shoulder to shoulder with.
The Academy’s official note detailed the process: "Thirty-five features are eligible for consideration in the Animated Feature Film category for the 98th Academy Awards. Some of the films have not yet had their required qualifying release and must fulfill that requirement and comply with all the category’s other qualifying rules to advance in the voting process." The road ahead remains challenging, as the next step is for Mahavatar Narsimha—along with its fellow competitors—to make it onto the shortlist, and then, for a select five, to become official nominees. The final nominations will be revealed in the coming months, intensifying the anticipation for filmmakers and fans alike.
What sets Mahavatar Narsimha apart is not just its commercial success, but its cultural significance. The film chronicles the tale of Prahlad and the rise of Mahavatar Narsimha, drawing inspiration from ancient Indian mythology. Produced by Kleem Productions and Hombale Films, it is also the first installment in a planned cinematic universe based on the ten avatars of Lord Vishnu. This ambitious vision signals a new era for Indian animation, aiming for both critical acclaim and mass appeal. As the Hindustan Times notes, the film’s impact is already being felt: "Mahavatar Narsimha emerged as one of the biggest hits of the year, surpassing expectations and setting new benchmarks for Indian animation."
But Mahavatar Narsimha is not alone in vying for Oscar gold. The Academy’s list is a veritable who’s who of animated filmmaking, featuring titles that have made waves in various corners of the globe. Among them are KPop Demon Hunters, Little Amélie or the Character of Rain, In Your Dreams, Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Infinity Castle, and Chainsaw Man – The Movie: Reze Arc. These films represent a spectrum of genres, styles, and cultural backgrounds, underscoring the increasingly international flavor of the Oscars’ animation category.
Of particular note is the inclusion of Zootopia 2, the sequel to Disney’s 2016 smash hit. As reported by The Wall Street Journal, this new installment takes a bold narrative turn by focusing on a snake character who is portrayed as a gentle, misunderstood hero. In a clever twist on the traditional villainous roles assigned to snakes in Disney lore—think Kaa from The Jungle Book, Sir Hiss from Robin Hood, and Jafar from Aladdin—Zootopia 2 flips the script. The film is described as "a social-media campaign in the form of a kids’ movie: #SnakePride #ReptileRevisionism," giving voice to characters who have long been cast as outcasts or antagonists. It’s a timely message in an era increasingly attuned to issues of inclusion and representation.
According to The Wall Street Journal, "How about an animated feature in which a snake is a gentle, misunderstood hero who seeks merely to restore his people’s—er, his fellow reptiles’—rightful legacy?" With this question, the review captures the film’s spirit of empathy and revisionism, inviting audiences to reconsider long-held stereotypes. The reviewer goes on to note that, in the world of Zootopia 2, the snakes aren’t really snakes, of course—a wry nod to the film’s anthropomorphic approach and its playful engagement with identity and belonging.
For the Academy, the process of narrowing down the field is as rigorous as ever. The official note explains, "To determine the five nominees, members of the Animation Branch are automatically eligible to vote in the category. Academy members outside of the Animation Branch are invited to opt in to participate and must meet a minimum viewing requirement to be eligible to vote in the category." This ensures that the films are viewed and judged by a broad cross-section of industry professionals, maintaining the integrity and prestige of the award.
It’s also worth noting that films submitted in the Animated Feature Film category may qualify for other Academy Awards, including Best Picture. Animated features that have been submitted in the International Feature Film category as their country’s official selection are also eligible in the animation category, further blurring the lines between genres and national cinemas.
As the global animation industry continues to evolve, the 98th Academy Awards are shaping up to be a showcase for both established studios and emerging talents. The presence of films like Mahavatar Narsimha and Zootopia 2 on the eligibility list is a testament to the genre’s vitality and its capacity to tell stories that resonate across cultures and generations. Whether it’s the mythological grandeur of Indian epics or the sly social commentary of Disney sequels, animated films are proving that they can tackle complex themes while captivating audiences of all ages.
The coming weeks will be crucial as the Academy’s voting members make their selections, whittling down the list to the five nominees that will compete for one of cinema’s most coveted honors. For now, fans and filmmakers alike can take pride in the diversity and ambition on display this year. The race for Best Animated Feature is wide open—and for the contenders, the dream of Oscar glory is very much alive.