Oscar Controversy: Anime Blockbusters Overlooked in 2026 Nominations

As the dust settles on the 2026 Oscar nominations, a distinct sense of frustration lingers among animation enthusiasts. The Animated Feature shortlist, always a talking point, has this year managed to sidestep two of the most talked-about Japanese releases, much to the chagrin of their considerable fanbases. While titles such as KPop Demon Hunters and Little Amélie or The Character of Rain found favour with the Academy, the glaring absence of Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba – The Movie: Infinity Castle and Chainsaw Man - The Movie: Reze Arc has not gone unnoticed.

Both films, sequels to their respective series, have been showered with critical acclaim and have enjoyed remarkable commercial success. Demon Slayer, in particular, achieved a near-unprecedented 98% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes, while Chainsaw Man was not far behind, boasting a 96% score. The omission of these two juggernauts has prompted a flurry of online commentary, with one X user, Luiz Fernando, expressing disbelief at the lack of anime representation. He noted, in particular, that two Disney productions, Elio and Zootopia 2, had instead secured nominations.

“How can two of the best-reviewed films of the year be left out in favour of the usual suspects?”

he asked, echoing the sentiments of many.

Critical Acclaim Meets Commercial Triumph

There had been a sense, perhaps misplaced, that this year might mark a turning point for anime at the Oscars. Both Demon Slayer and Chainsaw Man were not only darlings of the critics but also box office powerhouses. Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba – The Movie: Infinity Castle, for instance, raked in a staggering $779 million globally, making it the highest-grossing Japanese anime film to date. Its absence from the nominations list has left many scratching their heads.

Chainsaw Man - The Movie: Reze Arc, while not quite matching Demon Slayer’s financial haul, still managed a robust $184 million in ticket sales. More importantly, it was widely regarded as one of the standout films of the year, animated or otherwise. The Academy’s apparent reluctance to embrace anime, despite such achievements, has become a recurring theme, and this year’s snubs have only intensified the debate.

Streaming Status and Plot Highlights

For those hoping to catch up on these much-discussed films at home, the wait continues—at least in part. Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba – The Movie: Infinity Castle remains exclusive to cinemas following its July 2025 Japanese premiere. Crunchyroll has yet to confirm a digital or streaming release, though expectations are that it will arrive on home platforms later in the year, likely as spring approaches. The story follows Tanjiro Kamado and his fellow Demon Slayer Corps members as they battle their way through the labyrinthine Infinity Castle, home to the formidable Muzan Kibutsuji.

Chainsaw Man - The Movie: Reze Arc, on the other hand, has been available for digital rental or purchase since December 2025, with a streaming debut on Crunchyroll anticipated before Demon Slayer’s. The film picks up where the first season left off, thrusting Denji into a new and perilous confrontation with the Bomb Devil, a foe as enigmatic as she is deadly.

Chainsaw Man: A Brief Synopsis

Chainsaw Man’s cinematic outing marks the character’s first foray onto the big screen, delivering a frenetic, action-packed continuation of the anime series. Denji, once a Devil Hunter for the yakuza, found himself betrayed and left for dead. In a desperate moment, his loyal devil-dog Pochita intervened, merging with Denji and transforming him into the titular Chainsaw Man. The film sees Denji navigating a treacherous world of devils, hunters, and hidden adversaries, with the mysterious Reze entering his life and setting the stage for a battle where the rules are few and survival is anything but guaranteed.