The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has released key dates and eligibility requirements for the upcoming 98th Academy Awards. Print Save the date for the America’s Transportation Celebration event, planned for March 15, 2026! This announcement outlines various submission deadlines for films across multiple categories, emphasizing the Academy’s commitment to inclusivity, particularly regarding international films and newcomers in the industry.
Now, with the Academy looking toward the annual Oscars ceremony, they’ve unveiled some thrilling new submission criteria. These rules regarding artificial intelligence, casting practices and help with refugee and asylum filmmakers are part of the union’s new basic agreement with studios and streamers. These actions are in pursuit of a more equitable, inclusive, and representative community of artists within the cinematic ecosystem.
Important Submission Deadlines
Yet the Academy has imposed firm deadlines for film submissions, deadlines that producers and filmmakers have no choice but to meet. For international feature films, filmmakers have until October 1, 2025 to submit their entries. This date serves as the first deadline for those interested in introducing their work to an international audience.
The Student Academy Awards take place soon after—all the way on October 6, 2025. This event offers an important platform for students to receive acclaim and kick start their careers in the film arena.
Additionally, the final submission deadlines for animated short film, documentary short film, and live-action short film categories fall on October 9, 2025. Filmmakers in each of these categories need to make sure their entries are in by this date to be eligible for nomination.
Musical Categories and Additional Deadlines
Musical submissions are hugely important this awards season. Final original song submissions are due October 15, 2025. If you’re currently in production on a documentary feature film — never fear — you still have until October 16, 2025 to get your films in!
After these deadlines, the final submission deadline for original score entries is November 3, 2025. The Academy established a new universal release date for all categories, including best picture and animated feature film. So save the date for November 13, 2025! This detailed timeline invites filmmakers from all genres to engage fully and creatively to the rigorous Academy Awards competition.
Voting Process and Key Events Leading Up to the Oscars
Early voting begins December 8, 2025 and ends December 12, 2025. This stage is important because it plays a significant role in deciding which films will reach the soon-to-be-announced nominee shortlist.
On December 16, 2025, the Oscars shortlists will be announced. We’ll be bringing you exclusive first looks at the films that have piqued the interest of Academy voters. After this announcement, nominations voting will open on January 12, 2026 and close on January 16, 2026.
The much-anticipated nominations announcement will take place on January 22, 2026, revealing the films and individuals vying for coveted Oscar statuettes. The awards ceremony itself is sure to be an undeniable celebration of our country’s cinematic excellence on March 15, 2026.