The votes are in, and films from 2024 have been nominated for the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature. Here is a list of the movies aiming to win an Oscar on March 1.
“Flow”
An independent movie from Latvian filmmaker Gints Zilbalodis, “Flow” follows the story of a dark gray (not black) cat as it navigates a post-human world accompanied by a group of animals despite their initial differences. The visuals successfully depict evocative lush landscapes and endearing characters. The animation is also a masterclass in visual storytelling, supplementing the lack of dialogue with actions and subtle cues. In a key step away from the blockbuster and studio-dominated nature of the Oscars, “Flow” is a must-watch for anyone looking to enjoy a beautiful film about friendship and our relationship with the world around us.
“Inside Out 2”
In this highly anticipated sequel, the film returns to follow Riley as she grows up and faces new obstacles that come with growing up. Overall, the film includes everything one should expect from Pixar: a straightforward plot that is enjoyable for all ages, effortlessly combining humor and emotional story beats over the colorful and vibrant animation viewers have come to expect from the studio. The movie is a continuation of exploring how our identities evolve throughout adolescence.
“Memoir of a Snail”
“Memoir of a Snail” follows Grace Pudel, a lonely misfit seemingly trailed by misfortune and tragedy, through her life in this semi-autobiographical story from Australian filmmaker Adam Elliot. Again, this movie challenges the notion that animation, especially stop-motion, is a medium reserved for children’s films. “Memoir of a Snail” explores darker themes with a raw, heart-wrenching narrative. The film demonstrates that despite the hardships we all inevitably face, we must move toward finding what hope waits for us at the end of these obstacles.
“Wallace & Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl”
The sixth installment in the “Wallace & Gromit” series follows the pair as they face the villainous penguin Feathers McGraw and a robotic garden gnome. Retaining most of the charm from the previous films, “Vengeance Most Fowl” includes the same humor and jokes that made the originals so beloved, along with references to its predecessors. Overall, this is a comforting film for both long-time fans and newcomers looking for a movie with witty humor combined with the classic appeal of its titular dynamic duo.
“The Wild Robot”
In this DreamWorks film, service robot Roz must navigate her new life upon being stranded on an uninhabited land and befriend the local wildlife. The visuals are beautiful, with the futuristic yet endearing Roz contrasted against her flourishing and naturistic surroundings. This film employs this excellent animation and an incredible score to explore the importance of kindness and our complex relationship with nature, creating a heartwarming watch for audiences of all ages.
