DEMON SLAYER: INFINITY CASTLE and CHAINSAW MAN: REZE ARC Failed to Enter Oscar 2026 Nominations

Kapanlagi.com - Anime fans are furious! The Oscars 2026, which just announced its complete list of nominations, did not include Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle - Part 1 in the list for the Animated Feature Film category.

This decision is considered unreasonable, given that Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle was one of the global phenomena in 2025. Not to mention its top-notch animation and sound design, which are said to be among the best.

So who made it to the list of Animated Feature Film nominations at the Oscars 2026 and what is the fans' reaction? Read more below..

1. Animated Feature Film Category

Nomination for the Animated Feature Film category at the 2026 Oscars

The nominees in the Animated Feature Film category for the 2026 Oscars are actually the same as those for the 83rd Golden Globe Awards held recently. ONLY Demon Slayers: Infinity Castle has been removed from that list.

Animated Feature Film Category Oscars 2026
Arco
Elio
KPop Demon Hunters
Little Amelie or the Character of Rain
Zootopia 2

Based on the hype and previous achievements, it is almost certain that the winner of this category will be KPop Demon Hunters.

2. Fans' Anger

The outburst of anger from anime fans (Credit: X)

Not only did Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle fail to make it to the Animated Feature Film nomination list. Several other popular anime titles considered masterpieces, such as 100 Meters and Chainsaw Man: Reze Arc also failed to get nominated.

No wonder fans of anime are heavily disappointed and accuse the 2026 Oscars of never appreciating the world of Japanese Anime.

"A rotten award show. 100 Meters, Chainsaw Man, or Demon Slayer didn’t get nominated, BUT Elio did?" wrote a fan, including a clown emoticon.

"It’s very embarrassing that Chainsaw Man is not on this list. It’s far better than all the animated films that got nominated. Just because it’s from Japan, it’s ignored," added another fan.

3. Anime That Has Won an Oscar

Anime poster Spirited Away (Credit: IMDB)

As of now, only two anime have ever won an Oscar, and both are from Studio Ghibli..

1. Spirited Away

Year Won: 2003
Category: Best Animated Feature

Spirited Away by Hayao Miyazaki became the first anime in history to win an Oscar. This film defeated Western animated films and marked a significant milestone for the Japanese anime industry. The story of Chihiro in the spirit world is considered to have universal storytelling power, high artistic visuals, and emotions that can be appreciated by a global audience, including those who are not accustomed to watching anime.

2. The Boy and the Heron

Year Won: 2024
Category: Best Animated Feature

Still from Hayao Miyazaki and Studio Ghibli, The Boy and the Heron once again brings anime to the pinnacle of the Oscars. This film has been praised for its poetic, reflective, and mature approach, discussing loss, imagination, and a child's inner journey. This victory affirms that anime can compete at the highest level without having to follow Hollywood animation styles.

(kpl/jpg)