116 Films Excluded from Oscars' Best Picture

In the lead-up to the 2025 Academy Awards, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has announced that 116 out of 323 eligible films will not compete for the Best Picture Oscar due to new diversity and inclusion standards, as well as various eligibility issues. These standards, known as Representation and Inclusion Standards (RAISE), are in their second year and have prompted concerns over potentially sidelining worthy films in favor of meeting representation goals. Among the notable exclusions are Andrea Arnold's "Bird," Anna Kendrick's "Woman of the Hour," and commercial hits like "Bad Boys: Ride or Die" and the "Mean Girls" musical remake. The total number of eligible films marks a slight increase from last year, but the drop in those vying for Best Picture indicates a tightening of eligibility criteria. Critics argue that while diversity is important, it should not overshadow the artistic merit that the Oscars traditionally celebrate. The full list of nominees will be revealed on January 17, with the ceremony scheduled for March 2.