The Academy has confirmed there are 26 films eligible for this year’s race for Best Animated Feature. Unfortunately, a few indie contenders like Where is Anne Frank, Charlotte, Even Mice Belong In Heaven, and Marcel the Shell With Shoes On weren’t able to find U.S. distribution before the eligibility period ended, so it’s possible we may see them next season.
Flee still remains out in front this month and with such strong competition in the Best Documentary Feature and Best International Feature categories, I think Best Animated Feature is where Neon should be focusing their campaign efforts. That’s not to suggest it doesn’t stand a chance in the other two categories. But if voters are tired of constantly awarding this category to Disney or Pixar, Flee could be just the ticket.
That being said, Encanto will certainly be a formidable opponent in this race. The film has performed well at the box office and currently sits on 90% on Rotten Tomatoes. It will debut on Disney+ over Christmas, meaning it will be easily visible to Academy members, particularly those with young children who’ll be clamouring to watch it over the holidays. It also helps Encanto was just selected by the National Board of Review as their winner in this category.
But the true dark horse contender could prove to be critical darling The Mitchells vs. the Machines. Netflix has already sent out lavish screener/swag boxes to industry members, so they’re clearly keen on campaigning hard for this one. The film dropped on the streaming platform way back in April, but Netflix are already straight out of the gate in getting it front and centre in voters’ minds again.
BEST ANIMATED FEATURE PREDICTIONS:
1. Flee (Neon)
2. Encanto (Disney)
3. The Mitchells vs. the Machines (Netflix)
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)
