Japanese animation has reached yet another milestone: Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba – Infinity Castle has officially fulfilled the Academy’s criteria for the 2026 Oscars, making this blockbuster film qualified for consideration in the Best Animated Feature category.
Directed by Haruo Sotozaki and produced by the highly lauded studio ufotable, this has entered a pool of more than 30 eligible titles.
While this may be the first step, the final nominations will be announced on January 22, 2026, and the suspense is already building on this worldwide phenomenon.
Anime Film Breaks Global Box Office Records
Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle is more than a successful anime film; it is a true worldwide phenomenon. Since its release, the movie has broken box office records around the world, taking in hundreds of millions of dollars and proving how strong anime can be in popular culture.
Its success has mobilized huge crowds and has been critically acclaimed, showing that the deep emotions and great visuals of Japanese animation are reaching well outside this niche of dedicated fans.
The film’s entry into the Oscar race further cements its position as one of the most influential animated works of 2025.
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What makes Demon Slayer such a strong contender?
The incredible technical and artistic quality provided by the studio ufotable. The film adapted the final and most dramatic fight of the Demon Slayer Corps against the Demon King Muzan Kibutsuji, placing the epic fight in his dimensional stronghold known as the titular Infinity Castle.
It allowed for breathtaking and dynamic action with extremely complex, ever-changing backgrounds that really pushed the boundaries of what was possible in modern animation.
The combination of intense storytelling, beautiful character designs, and fluid, high-octane fight choreography makes it stand out from the competitive field of animated features.
Demon Slayer Enters the Oscar Race: What’s Next
The film is now qualified to be voted for by Academy members. Anime has traditionally enjoyed a selective presence at the Oscars, with Hayao Miyazaki winning twice in this category; now, Demon Slayer is facing tough competition from other major animation studios.
All eligible films shall be watched and voted on by Academy members representing the Animation Branch, as well as other interested voters. The final nominations, usually five films in this category, are announced in January and thus give the possibility.
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