The Kannada blockbuster Kantara: A Legend – Chapter 1 has achieved a significant milestone in its global journey — the film is now officially eligible for consideration at the 98th Academy Awards (Oscars) after being included on the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences’ General Entry List of eligible films. This opens the door for the Rishab Shetty-directed epic to be considered across major categories, including Best Picture and others.
What Oscar Eligibility Means
Being on the Academy’s “Reminder List of Productions Eligible for the 98th Academy Awards” means Kantara: Chapter 1 has met the Academy’s key eligibility requirements — including required theatrical runs in key U.S. markets, submission of inclusion standards, and completion of qualifying release criteria — and can now be considered by Academy members during the early voting process ahead of the official nominations.
This is not the same as a nomination, which will be announced later on January 22, 2026, but it is a formal entry that allows the film to be reviewed across categories such as Best Picture, Acting, Directing, Cinematography, Music and Production Design.
Indian Cinema Makes a Strong Showing
Kantara: Chapter 1 isn’t the only Indian film to make the Academy’s eligibility list this year. Several other Indian productions have also qualified to compete for Best Picture consideration, including:
- Mahavatar Narsimha (animated fantasy)
- Tanvi The Great (drama)
- Tourist Family (Tamil comedy-drama)
- Sister Midnight (Hindi–UK co-production starring Radhika Apte)
In all, 201 feature films worldwide have met the eligibility criteria to be considered for Best Picture at the upcoming Oscars.
Why This Recognition Matters
For Kantara: Chapter 1, this moment represents more than just awards buzz — it’s an acknowledgment of Indian regional cinema’s expanding global footprint. Originally released in 2025 and praised for its blending of myth, folklore and cultural identity rooted in coastal Karnataka, the film has already enjoyed critical acclaim and commercial success in India and abroad.
Although inclusion on the eligibility list doesn’t guarantee a nomination, it significantly increases the film’s visibility within the Academy’s voting body. This stage is considered a first essential step toward potential awards recognition, with the official nominations reveal set for January 22, 2026, and the Oscars ceremony scheduled for March 15, 2026.
The Road Ahead
Now that Kantara: Chapter 1 is eligible:
- Academy voters will begin reviewing all eligible films before nomination ballots are cast.
- The film can campaign for slots in major categories, including Best Picture, Writing, Technical Craft awards and more.
- Final nominations will narrow the field to 10 Best Picture contenders and five nominees per category for other awards.
Whether Kantara: Chapter 1 earns nominations remains to be seen, but its eligibility itself is a significant achievement for Indian cinema and especially for Kannada filmmaking — a proud moment that signals growing global recognition for stories rooted in regional tradition and culture.
