ISLAMABAD: Wicked: For Good has positioned itself as the early technical frontrunner of the 98th Academy Awards season, appearing on 10 Oscar shortlists announced by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences across 12 categories.

In a statement released by the Academy Press Office, the musical sequel was named among the shortlisted contenders for casting, cinematography, makeup and hairstyling, original score, sound, and visual effects, along with two original song entries, The Girl In The Bubble and No Place Like Home.

“The shortlisted films represent exceptional achievement across craft disciplines,” the Academy said in its official announcement, noting that the selections were drawn from hundreds of eligible submissions worldwide.

Several other high-profile titles also made strong impressions. Frankenstein, Sinners and One Battle after Another each secured places on six shortlists, while Avatar: Fire and Ash and F1 followed closely with five appearances apiece.

The Academy released shortlists in animated short film, casting, cinematography, documentary feature, documentary short, international feature film, live action short film, makeup and hairstyling, original score, original song, sound, and visual effects.

In the international feature film category, 15 films advanced from a pool of 86 submissions. Among them were Palestine’s Palestine 36, Brazil’s The Secret Agent, and Argentina’s Belén, reflecting the Academy’s increasingly global slate.

Documentary feature film also narrowed to 15 titles from 201 eligible entries, including 2000 Meters to Andriivka and Mr. Nobody against Putin. Meanwhile, the animated short film category reduced 113 qualifying films to 15, and live action short film trimmed 207 entries to the same number.

The casting category, which includes 10 shortlisted films, continues to stand out as one of the Academy’s newest awards, formally recognizing casting directors for their role in shaping on-screen ensembles.

The 98th Academy Awards ceremony is scheduled to take place on March 15 next year at the Dolby Theatre at Ovation Hollywood.

oscar nominations

‘Wicked: For Good’ leads Oscar shortlists with 10 technical nods