October 11 update
The October 8 short-film deadline has passed. The Academy's next listed submission deadlines are October 14 for Music (Original Song) and October 15 for Documentary Feature Film.
For documentary features qualifying between July 1 and December 31, 2026, the Academy requires all submission materials by 5 p.m. PT on Thursday, October 15. A film planning a qualifying theatrical run after that date must still submit its required materials and theatrical booking confirmation by the deadline.
Featured photo: Greg Hernandez, showing preparations outside the Kodak Theatre for the 81st Academy Awards, via Wikimedia Commons, licensed under CC BY 2.0. The image is illustrative.
Why it matters
The documentary deadline arrives before some late-year qualifying theatrical runs actually begin. Producers cannot wait for the run to finish before starting the Academy process. Missing the October 15 upload and booking-confirmation requirements can end eligibility even if the theatrical plan otherwise qualifies.
Documentary Feature: what is due October 15
The Academy's official checklist directs entrants to register at its submissions site and request access to the Documentary Feature category. Required materials include the signed Oscars Submission Form, complete cast-and-crew credits, and proof of a qualifying festival award or qualifying theatrical run. Films whose qualifying run will occur after the deadline must upload theater booking confirmation by October 15.
The film must also be uploaded to the Academy Screening Room with the required technical and accessibility materials. Separate processes apply if the same film is being entered for Best Picture, General Entry craft categories, Original Score, or Original Song.
Remaining 99th Oscars submission dates
- October 14: Music (Original Song).
- October 15: final Documentary Feature deadline.
- November 4: Music (Original Score).
- November 12: final deadline for General Entry categories, Animated Feature Film, Best Picture, and the RAISE form.
Category-specific rules control, and the Academy says all dates are subject to change. Entrants should confirm their own qualifying period and required forms in the live portal rather than treating the general calendar as a complete checklist.
Go to the Academy's submission portal →
Primary sources
Update note
Originally published September 27 and updated October 11, 2026, after the October 8 short-film deadline. The story now leads with the October 15 Documentary Feature deadline and its late-year qualifying-run requirement.