James Gunn’s Superman has officially entered the 2026 Academy Awards conversation.
According to a newly released list published by Variety, Superman is among 201 films that are eligible for nomination in the Best Picture category at the 98th Academy Awards. While eligibility does not guarantee a nomination, the film’s inclusion confirms that it has met all of the Academy’s strict Best Picture qualification requirements for the 2025 awards year.
The Academy’s Best Picture eligibility rules go beyond a standard Oscar qualification. For Superman to appear on this list, it had to satisfy multiple layers of criteria, not just its release date.
1. Release Within the 2025 Awards Year
Superman was released in July 2025, placing it firmly within the Academy’s eligibility window of January 1 to December 31, 2025.
2. Required Theatrical Qualification
The film completed the Academy’s mandatory paid theatrical run, which includes:
- A minimum one-week run in a qualifying U.S. market
- A feature-length runtime (over 40 minutes)
This is the baseline requirement for Oscar consideration.
3. Expanded Theatrical Run for Best Picture
Best Picture contenders face stricter rules than other categories. Eligible films must play:
- At least seven days
- In 10 of the top 50 U.S. theatrical markets
- Within 45 days of their initial release
Superman meeting this threshold confirms it had a sufficiently wide theatrical footprint, not just a limited awards run.
4. Compliance With the Academy’s Representation and Inclusion Standards
Since recent award cycles, Best Picture eligibility also requires films to:
- Submit the Academy’s RAISE (Representation and Inclusion Standards Entry) form
- Meet at least two of four inclusion standards, covering areas such as:
- On-screen representation
- Creative leadership and crew composition
- Industry access and opportunities
- Marketing and distribution teams
Films that do not submit or meet these standards are excluded from Best Picture consideration, even if they qualify theatrically.
Oscar nominations for the 2026 ceremony are expected to be announced later this month.