The Academy’s newly announced shortlists span several major categories, including International Feature Film, Documentary, and Cinematography. This year’s announcement also marks the first-ever shortlist for the new Casting Achievement award.
The documentary Cutting Through Rocks, directed by Iranian filmmakers Sara Khaki and Mohammadreza Eyni, has been shortlisted for the Oscars in the Best Feature-Length Documentary category. This is the first time Iranian filmmakers have been shortlisted for the best feature-length documentary category. In addition, A Simple Accident, directed by Iranian filmmaker Jafar Panahi, has been shortlisted in the Best International Feature Film category as France’s official submission, joining the 15 initial contenders.
The Academy will announce the final Oscar nominees on January 22, 2026. The 98th Academy Awards ceremony is scheduled for March 15, 2026.