The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has officially included four Indian films in its list of 201 feature films eligible for the Best Picture category at the 98th Academy Awards, scheduled for March 2026.
According to the Academy’s January 2026 reminder list, Kantara: A Legend – Chapter 1 and Tanvi The Great have met the stringent eligibility requirements, including a qualifying theatrical run in at least 10 of the top 50 U.S. markets within 45 days of their 2025 release, along with compliance with the Academy’s Representation and Inclusion Standards (RAISE).
In addition to these two titles, Mahavatar Narsimha, a multilingual animated film, and Tourist Family, a Tamil-language film by first-time director Abishan Jeevinth, have also qualified independently for the general Best Picture race.
While Homebound remains India’s official submission for the Best International Feature Film, these four films are competing in the open Best Picture category.
Kantara: A Legend – Chapter 1 is a prequel to the 2022 blockbuster and explores 4th-century Daiva worship in Tulunadu, while Tanvi The Great, directed by Anupam Kher, tells the story of an autistic girl aspiring to join the Indian Army.
Voting for Oscar nominations will take place from January 12 to January 16, 2026, with the official nominations set to be announced on January 22, 2026.
The 98th Academy Awards ceremony will be held on March 16, 2026, in Los Angeles.
Inclusion on the eligibility list allows Academy members to vote for these films during the nomination phase, though it does not guarantee a final nomination.
