The race for Oscars 2026 Best Animated Feature category is shaping up to be one of the most exciting and globally diverse fields in years. The official 2026 Oscar contenders list for the 98th Academy Awards has been released, confirming that major international blockbusters will be competing against cultural breakthroughs. Among the strong list of animated movies 2026, the Best Animated Feature 2026 Oscar contenders are Disney’s highly anticipated sequel, Zootopia 2, the vibrant Netflix hit, Kpop Demon Hunters, and, making history for Indian animation is the mythological epic, Mahavatar Narsimha. This diverse trio signals a major shift in the global animated landscape.
Mahavatar Narsimha’s historic entry
The qualification of Mahavatar Narsimha among the 2026 Oscar contenders list for the Best Animated Feature marks a significant moment for non-Western animation on the international stage. Directed by Ashwin Kumar, this high-grossing Indian mythological epic explores the story of Lord Vishnu’s Narasimha avatar. A blend of traditional Indian storytelling with modern 2D and 3D animation techniques, this film has drawn global attention. With its inclusion on the same footing as Hollywood heavyweights, Mahavatar Narsimha has created a unique narrative for voters. The presence of the film also underscores the Academy’s growing recognition of animated features beyond studio output, pushing the category of the Best Animated Feature toward true worldwide representation.
Frontrunners and fan favourites- Zootopia 2 and Kpop Demon Hunters
While the Indian epic provides the cultural story, the list of animated movies 2026 for the Oscars is still dominated by proven IP and streaming powerhouses. Disney’s Zootopia 2, reuniting officers Judy Hopps and Nick Wilde, is still considered a commercial and critical forerunner. In contrast, Sony Pictures Animation’s Kpop Demon Hunters, a Netflix global sensation, brings a modern, action-packed fantasy element to the competition.
Early nominations outlook and predictions
Most of Oscars 2026 predictions peg Zootopia 2 and Kpop Demon Hunters as near-locks for nominations due to their box office success and critical acclaim. The remaining slots are expected to be tightly contested by films like the Japanese anime sequel Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle, Pixar’s Elio, and the high profile indie title, Arco. The nomination of Mahavatar Narsimha would depend heavily on the International Feature Film voting bloc and its ability to capture broader Academy support, potentially displacing a major studio film.
With an Indian epic, a global K-pop action film, and a major US studio sequel all vying for spots, the Oscars 2026 Best Animated Feature race is wide open. This exciting and diverse mix guarantees a highly competitive and historically significant field.