🎙️ Why the Academy was NEVER Going to Nominate Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle for an Oscar

As Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle opened to massive box office and critical fan reaction, fans wondered whether this could break into the Oscars. But the reality is far simpler—and far less dramatic. The Academy was never going to nominate a movie that functions as a direct, late‑series continuation of an ongoing storyline.

In this episode of iCritic LIVE, Kevin unpacks why Infinity Castle, despite its scale, spectacle, and emotional weight, is fundamentally built for viewers already deep into the Demon Slayer narrative. For Oscar voters who expect a film to stand on its own, this kind of continuity‑heavy storytelling is a non‑starter.

🔍 In this episode:

• Why Infinity Castle demands extensive prior knowledge of the series
• How late‑arc storytelling clashes with the Academy’s expectations for standalone films
• Why even groundbreaking animation can’t overcome narrative inaccessibility
• The difference between audience hype and awards‑body practicality
• What an anime film would need to look like to be a true Oscar contender

If you’re curious about how awards voters think—and why certain formats are at a structural disadvantage—this episode breaks down the real, grounded reasons Infinity Castle was never in the Oscar conversation.