The upcoming 97th Academy Awards may witness a groundbreaking shift in the Best Animated Feature category, traditionally dominated by the powerhouse studios of Walt Disney Animation and Pixar. Notable films such as The Wild Robot and Flow are generating considerable buzz and might break the cycle of Disney’s longstanding supremacy. Since the category’s inception in 2001, it has consistently celebrated the finest animated works, but the recent rise of these competitors injects a refreshing unpredictability into the awards race.
Disney and Pixar have undoubtedly earned their accolades through high-quality storytelling and animation excellence. However, this dominance sets the stage for films like The Wild Robot and Flow to shine even brighter, adding an exciting layer of suspense to the ceremony. Although Disney remains a strong contender, the critical acclaim garnered by these two remarkable animated features suggests that the results may finally disrupt the Academy’s prevailing pattern.
Flow Claims Best Animated Feature At The Golden Globes
Challenging Disney’s Dominance: Flow and The Wild Robot Lead the Pack
As the Academy Awards approach, both Flow and The Wild Robot are poised as significant challengers in the Best Animated Feature category. These films have captivated audiences and critics alike, with both earning an impressive 97% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes. During the Golden Globe Awards, Flow triumphed over The Wild Robot, signaling a remarkable shift in animated film recognition.
| Winner | Director | Studio |
| Flow | Gints Zilbalodis | Janus Films |
| Inside Out 2 (Nominee) | Kelsey Mann | Walt Disney Pictures/Pixar |
| Memoir Of A Snail (Nominee) | Adam Elliot | IFC Films |
| Moana 2 (Nominee) | David Derrick Jr., Jason Hand, and Dana Ledoux Miller | Walt Disney Pictures/Walt Disney Animation Studios |
| The Wild Robot (Nominee) | Chris Sanders | DreamWorks Animation |
| Wallace & Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl (Nominee) | Nick Park and Merlin Crossingham | Aardman Animations/Netflix |
Both films have also captured several precursor awards, a key indicator of potential success at the Oscars. Notably, The Wild Robot previously won the Astra Film Award, while both films received prestigious accolades from critics’ circles across the country. Additionally, Flow is being considered for the Best International Feature Film category, representing Latvia. Their impressive reviews place them at the forefront overshadowing other contenders.
This momentum heading into 2025 could bolster their chances at the Academy Awards, providing a critical advantage in their bid for recognition. An Oscar win for either film would signify a notable departure from the Academy’s historical trends, highlighting a growing appreciation for diverse storytelling in animation.
Historical Bias Towards Disney and Pixar in Animation Awards
Disney’s Dominance: 15 of 23 Oscars for Animated Feature
Since its inception at the 74th Academy Awards in 2001, the Best Animated Feature category has predominantly favored films from Disney and Pixar. In total, Disney has claimed 15 of the 23 Oscars awarded in this category, securing nominations nearly every year. Their only two absences were in 2005 and 2011, confirming their robust presence within the animation landscape.
Current contenders such as Inside Out 2 remain strong candidates for the upcoming awards, bolstered by impressive box office performances and widespread popularity. Despite this, it is challenging to count out Disney entirely, as their ability to consistently deliver beloved films keeps them firmly in the race.
While works like Moana 2 and Mufasa: The Lion King are in contention, their lack of a solid critical reception could hinder their chances compared to Flow and The Wild Robot’s rising acclaim. The unconventional formats of these latter films make them riskier propositions. Nonetheless, the accolades they have secured prior to the Oscars indicate a shifting tide that might favor them over established giants.
The Possibility of a Third Consecutive Non-Disney Win
Disney’s Unprecedented Gap in Oscar Wins
It has been a notable stretch since Disney secured their last Oscar for animated features with Encanto in 2022. Failure to win Best Animated Feature for a third consecutive year would mark an unprecedented gap for the studio, signaling a transformative era within the animation industry. Increasingly, the momentum appears to favor films like The Wild Robot and Flow, paving the way for innovative animated storytelling that has historically been overshadowed by Disney’s dominance.
A victory for DreamWorks with The Wild Robot would symbolize a critical period of transition for the studio, especially as it moves away from exclusive in-house production. The success of this film, heralding a sequel, could revive its franchise potential akin to iconic series like Shrek and How to Train Your Dragon.
In contrast, Flow’s ascendance in critics’ circles is a testament to the rising influence of independent filmmaking within mainstream awards, potentially reflecting a significant cultural moment in animation. The narrative surrounding this independent film, with its focus on artistic merit, adds an inspiring depth that could resonate well with Academy voters. If either film claims the Oscar, it would not only end Disney’s streak but also signal an exciting evolution in the animation genre.
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