“Kimetsu no Yaiba: Mugenjou-hen” Movie Misses Out on Nomination for “Highest Honor in Film,” the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature

Visual Highlights from the Nominated Films

Here are some key visuals from the anime films discussed in this article.

98th Academy Awards Nominations Announced: “Kimetsu no Yaiba” Misses Out on Animated Feature Nod

The nominations for the 98th Academy Awards, often regarded as the pinnacle of cinematic achievement, were unveiled on January 22, 2026 (Japan time). In the Best Animated Feature category, the highly anticipated Japanese film 『Gekijouban “Kimetsu no Yaiba” Mugenjou-hen Dai Isshou: Akaza Sairai』 (also known as “Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba the Movie: Mugenjou-hen – Chapter 1: Akaza’s Return”) did not secure a nomination, despite being the sole Japanese work nominated earlier at the 83rd Golden Globe Awards.

About “Kimetsu no Yaiba” and Its Latest Film

『Kimetsu no Yaiba』 (commonly referred to as “Demon Slayer”) is an anime series based on the manga by Koyoharu Gotouge, published in Shueisha’s “Jump Comics” with 23 volumes and over 220 million copies in circulation worldwide. The story follows Kamado Tanjirou, a boy whose family is slaughtered by demons, as he joins the Demon Slayer Corps to turn his demon-transformed sister, Kamado Nezuko, back into a human. The series captivates audiences with its poignant tale of humans and demons, intense sword-fighting action, charismatic characters, and occasional comedic moments that add to its appeal.

The anime is produced by ufotable, kicking off with 『Television Anime “Kimetsu no Yaiba” Kamado Tanjirou Risshi-hen』 in April 2019 and expanding into a franchise. The 『Gekijouban “Kimetsu no Yaiba” Mugenjou-hen』 trilogy, set in the demon stronghold “Mugenjou” (Infinity Castle), depicts the final battle between the Demon Slayer Corps and demons. “Dai Isshou: Akaza Sairai” (Chapter 1: Akaza’s Return) premiered on July 18, 2025.

As of January 18, 2026, the film has grossed 39.08 billion yen according to Kogyo Tsushinsha, ranking second in the series behind 『Gekijouban “Kimetsu no Yaiba” Mugen Ressha-hen』 (40.75 billion yen). While it didn’t win, its nomination at the Golden Globe Awards—often seen as an Oscar precursor—had already turned heads in the industry.

Academy Awards Context and Japanese Legacy

The Academy Awards, organized by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences in the United States, honor outstanding films, actors, directors, and more. Known colloquially as the “Oscars” after the golden statuette, they’re considered the most prestigious film awards globally. The 98th edition focuses on works released in 2025.

The Best Animated Feature category was introduced at the 74th Oscars. Japanese films have triumphed twice: 『Sen to Chihiro no Kamikakushi』 (Spirited Away) at the 75th awards and 『Kimitachi wa Dou Ikiru ka』 (The Boy and the Heron) at the 96th, both directed by Hayao Miyazaki and produced by Studio Ghibli. Outside Ghibli, 『Mirai no Mirai』 (Mirai) by Mamoru Hosoda and Studio Chizu was nominated at the 91st Oscars. Notably, 『Gekijouban “Kimetsu no Yaiba” Mugen Ressha-hen』 (Demon Slayer: Mugen Train) was eligible for the 93rd awards but did not receive a nomination.

This Year’s Animated Feature Nominees

For the 98th Academy Awards, the films nominated in the Best Animated Feature category are:

• 『Arco』 (Original Title)
• 『Hoshi Tsunagi no Elio』 (which can be translated as “Elio and the Star Strings”)
• 『KPOP Girls! Demon Hunters』
• 『Amelie to Ame no Monogatari』 (Amelie and the Rain Story)
• 『Zootopia 2』

Looking Ahead to the Oscars Ceremony

The awards ceremony will be held on March 16, 2026 (Japan time) at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles, USA. Last year, at the 97th Oscars, the Best Animated Feature was won by 『Flow』, an independent film by Latvian director Gints Zilbalodis, surpassing major Hollywood blockbusters. All eyes are now on which film will claim the Oscar glory this year, keeping the animation community on the edge of their seats.

By Nakase Koutarou

_

Source