Pixar’s dominance of the Best Animated Feature category is a contentious piece of Oscars history. While the studio’s track record is impeccable and they’ve deservedly taken home the Academy Award numerous times, there have been several years where they’ve seemingly won on studio recognition alone (Brave, anyone?). Pixar has won this category ten times from 13 nominations and it seems highly likely like they’re about to add an 11th Oscar to their trophy cabinet.
With wins at the Golden Globes, BAFTAs, Critics Choice Awards, PGA, and the Annie Awards, it’s all but a certainly Soul is also winning the Academy Award. While few would agree Soul is in the upper echelon of Pixar’s incredible back catalogue, its total dominance of awards season is impossible to ignore. I’m not here to debate whether there are issues with this category and its continual focus on awarding the work of both Pixar and Disney. However, even as an ardent Disney and Pixar fan, I can’t deny it’s not troubling.
Is there a chance of an upset victory for the critically acclaimed Wolfwalkers? Look, anything is possible, especially given the Cartoon Saloon production has the weight of Apple behind it. But this is their first year in the Oscars race, so they may need a few more seasons under their belt before they become a true player in the awards game. There is a huge groundswell of support for Wolfwalkers online, but whether that translates into votes from Academy members is another story. It would be an incredible underdog victory (and one that’s hugely deserved), but I just can’t see it happening.
BEST ANIMATED FEATURE PREDICTIONS:
1. Soul (Disney)
2. Wolfwalkers (GKIDS/Apple TV+)
3. Onward (Disney)
4. Over the Moon (Netflix)
5. A Shaun the Sheep Movie: Farmageddon (Netflix)
Will win: Soul
Should win: Wolfwalkers
Possible shocker: Wolfwalkers