2026 Oscars Visual Effects Race: Top 20 Finalists Announced

The race for the 2026 Academy Award for Best Visual Effects has narrowed down to 20 finalists, as confirmed by multiple sources to Variety. Major studios such as Disney, Warner Bros., Universal, Paramount, and Netflix dominate this list, which was communicated to the finalists ahead of the Thanksgiving holiday. Disney leads with seven films, including anticipated titles like James Cameron's “Avatar: Fire and Ash” and Dan Trachtenberg’s “Predator: Badlands.”

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Among the prominent films in the finalists are two from 20th Century Studios: “Predator: Badlands,” the seventh installment in the franchise, and “Avatar: Fire and Ash.” Marvel Studios has two entries with “Captain America: Brave New World” and “The Fantastic Four: First Steps.” Walt Disney Pictures is represented by “Lilo and Stitch” and “Tron: Ares.” Warner Bros. Discovery follows closely with entries such as Bong Joon Ho’s “Mickey 17” and James Gunn’s “Superman.” Universal Pictures also features prominently with three films: “Wicked: For Good,” “How to Train Your Dragon,” and “Jurassic World: Rebirth.”

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Netflix's contributions include Guillermo del Toro’s “Frankenstein” and “The Electric State,” directed by Anthony and Joe Russo. Paramount Pictures rounds out the list with Edgar Wright’s “The Running Man” and the final film in the “Mission: Impossible” series, “Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning.”

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The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has not publicly confirmed the finalists, as they do not release the top 20 externally. The preliminary voting period for the Oscars shortlist will commence on December 8, 2025, and conclude on December 12, 2025. The shortlist for 12 categories will be announced on December 16, 2025. Following this, the VFX bake-offs are scheduled for January 10-11, 2026, where the final 10 films will present to branch members for nomination consideration. Voting for all branches will take place from January 12-16, 2026, with nominations announced on January 22, 2026. The 98th Academy Awards are set for March 15, 2026.

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The complete list of the top 20 finalists for the Best Visual Effects category includes:

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• “Avatar: Fire and Ash” (20th Century Studios)

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• “Captain America: Brave New World” (Marvel Studios)

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• “The Electric State” (Netflix)

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• “F1” (Apple Original Films/Warner Bros.)

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• “The Fantastic Four: First Steps” (Marvel Studios)

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• “Frankenstein” (Netflix)

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• “How to Train Your Dragon” (Universal Pictures)

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• “Jurassic World: Rebirth” (Universal Pictures)

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• “Lilo and Stitch” (Walt Disney Pictures)

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• “The Lost Bus” (Apple Original Films)

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• “Mickey 17” (Warner Bros.)

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• “A Minecraft Movie” (Warner Bros.)

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• “Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning” (Paramount Pictures)

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• “Predator: Badlands” (20th Century Studios)

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• “The Running Man” (Paramount Pictures)

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• “Sinners” (Warner Bros.)

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• “Superman” (DC Studios)

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• “Thunderbolts” (Marvel Studios)

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• “Tron: Ares” (Walt Disney Pictures)

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• “Wicked: For Good” (Universal Pictures)

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This selection reflects a diverse array of genres and styles, showcasing the evolving landscape of visual effects in contemporary cinema.

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