Full Breakdown
98th Academy Awards: Eligibility and Notable Snubs
1/9/2026, 12:23:01 AM
Overview of Eligible Films
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has announced that 317 feature films are eligible for the 98th Academy Awards, a slight decrease from the 323 films eligible the previous year. Among these, 201 films qualify for the Best Picture category, down from 207 in 2025. To be eligible, films must have a theatrical run in at least one of six major U.S. metropolitan areas—Los Angeles County, New York City, the Bay Area, Chicago, Dallas-Fort Worth, and Atlanta—between January 1, 2025, and December 31, 2025, and must run for a minimum of seven consecutive days.
Best Picture Eligibility Criteria
For a film to be considered for Best Picture, it must meet the general eligibility requirements and submit a confidential Academy Representation and Inclusion Standards Entry (RAISE) form. This includes meeting two out of four specified standards and completing a theatrical run in 10 of the top 50 U.S. markets within 45 days of its initial release. The eligibility for Best Picture may change if films do not fulfill these requirements by January 22, 2026.
Key Dates in the Awards Process
Nominations voting for the 98th Academy Awards will take place from January 12 to January 16, 2026, with the nominations announcement scheduled for January 22, 2026.
Criticism of Awards Nominations
In the lead-up to the Oscars, notable omissions in nominations have sparked discussions about biases within the awards process. For instance, performances from international films such as "Sentimental Value" and "The Secret Agent" were overlooked by the Screen Actors Guild, raising questions about the recognition of non-English language films. Critics argue that this reflects a broader trend of bias against international entries, despite their strong performances in other awards circuits.
Ben Affleck's Reflection on Past Snubs
Ben Affleck recently revisited his experience of being snubbed for Best Director and Best Actor nominations for his acclaimed film "Argo," which won the Oscar for Best Picture in 2013. During an appearance on "Jimmy Kimmel Live!," Affleck described the embarrassment of not receiving nominations despite widespread expectations. He noted that the attention he received post-snub was overwhelmingly focused on his absence from the nominations rather than his film's achievements.
Official Statements & Responses
Affleck expressed that the situation was not one of anger but embarrassment, as he had not publicly claimed he deserved a nomination. He remarked, “It’s like the movie directed itself,” highlighting the irony of winning Best Picture while being overlooked in major categories. He also noted that the experience was compounded by the need to repeatedly explain the snub to reporters.
What's Next for Affleck
Looking ahead, Affleck is set to return as a director, actor, and co-writer for his upcoming crime thriller "Animals," which features a notable cast including Gillian Anderson and Kerry Washington. He humorously suggested that perhaps this time, the Oscars might treat him differently.
Conclusion
As the 98th Academy Awards approach, the eligibility of films and the dynamics of nominations continue to be a focal point of discussion. The Academy's criteria and the ongoing conversation about representation and recognition in the film industry remain critical as filmmakers and audiences alike await the nominations and the ceremony itself.
