Particle.news
Download on the App Store

Japan’s ‘Kokuhō’ Makes Two Oscars Shortlists as Academy Plans YouTube-Only Streaming From 2029

Official nominees will be revealed on Jan. 22, 2026.

Overview

  • The Lee Sang-il film starring Ryo Yoshizawa advanced to the International Feature Film and Makeup & Hairstyling shortlists.
  • International Feature considered 86 films with 15 advancing, while 10 films were shortlisted for Makeup & Hairstyling and five nominations are expected.
  • The kabuki-centered drama has set Japan’s all-time box-office record for a live-action film, framing its awards run as a commercial and cultural milestone.
  • AMPAS announced it will exclusively stream the Oscars and related events on YouTube from 2029 through 2033, ending long-standing television distribution.
  • The Academy said the shift aims to widen global access; the ceremony has aired on TV since 1953, with ABC carrying the U.S. broadcast since the 1970s.