In the race for Best Animated Feature, the overwhelming favourite with the critics groups is Netflix’s The Mitchells vs. the Machines with close to 20 wins thus far. However, the film was surprisingly snubbed of a nod from the HFPA. Given the lack of an actual Golden Globes ceremony this year, that might mean very little. But no film has won the Oscar without a Globe nomination. We still don’t really know if the Globes will have any impact on the race this year, but it’s a stat Netflix’s great hope will still have to break.
The Annie Awards nominations honoured all the expected contenders with Disney’s Raya and the Last Dragon ultimately earning the most nods. Strangely, it missed a nomination for Best Director, so perhaps that suggests it’s the most vulnerable to miss out on an Oscar nod. It’s probably unlikely all five spots will go the way we’re all predicting, especially if Academy members aren’t thrilled with the idea of Disney taking three of the five spots.
That being said, Disney’s Encanto seems to be going from strength to strength as the possible dark horse contender here. It landed on the Oscars shortlists for both Original Score and Song. Its debut on Disney+ over Christmas has pushed the film’s popularity to the point its soundtrack is now a smash hit on the charts. I’ve heard merchandise is also flying off the shelves, so I think this is the one that may be firming as the film to really challenge The Mitchells vs. the Machines.
Which of the other eligible contenders could break into the final five? GKIDS’ Belle seems the most likely, given the Academy’s willingness to acknowledge the anime genre. The film currently sits on 96% on Rotten Tomatoes, so the critical acclaim is there. Maybe also keep an eye on Universal Pictures’ Sing 2. It’s performing extremely well at the U.S. box office and it landed a mention on the Oscars shortlist for Best Original Song.
BEST ANIMATED FEATURE PREDICTIONS:
1. The Mitchells vs. the Machines (Netflix)
2. Encanto (Disney)
3. Flee (Neon)
4. Luca (Disney/Pixar)
5. Raya and the Last Dragon (Disney)
IN CONTENTION
The Addams Family 2 (United Artists Releasing)
Belle (GKIDS)
The Boss Baby: Family Business (Universal Pictures)
Cryptozoo (Magnolia Pictures)
Josee, the Tiger and the Fish (Bones)
Paw Patrol The Movie (Paramount Pictures)
Ron’s Gone Wrong (20th Century Studios)
Sing 2 (Universal Pictures)
Spirit Untamed (Dreamworks Animation)
The Summit of the Gods (Netflix)
Vivo (Netflix)