The red carpet has already been laid out on Hollywood Blvd as Tinseltown prepares for its biggest night of the year. And while this isn’t the most exciting year for many awards, there is one category which proves that creativity still thrives in the film industry. Let’s take a quick look at this year’s five nominated animated features and see which one you think will win and which ones you believe deserve more attention.
Anomalisa
The first R-rated animated feature to be nominated for an Academy Award won’t be everyone’s favorite. With course language, sex and nudity, Anomalisa will delight some and horrify others. However, it proves that the category is broad and can reach a diverse audience. Animation is not an art-form exclusive to kids.
Here’s a safe trailer for your consideration:
Boy & the World
This is a unique and beautiful film from Brazil. While the characters don’t speak dialogue, the emotion and intent are quite evident. Boy & the World follows the title character from his rural roots to the big city and how the experience changes him.
Inside Out
The runaway hit in the Animation category, and likely winner of the Oscar, is Pixar’s Inside Out. In a unique twist, most of the film takes place inside the head of a pre-teen girl. The film explores the role emotions have on our psyche and why sometimes you’ve just got to let a little sadness into your life.
Shaun the Sheep Movie
While it isn’t a likely contender for the big prize, this Aardman feature is one of our favorites. Like Wallace & Gromit, The Pirates, and Chicken Run, Shaun the Sheep Movie is an amazingly creative film bursting at the seams with wild gags. It’s also a film with a great deal of heart.
When Marnie Was There
Animation often tells the tale of a character trying to find their place in the world. When Marnie Was There is no different in this regard. What makes this one special is its sumptuous animation by the famed Studio Ghibli. The movie is bittersweet on two levels, first the heart-wrenching story, and secondly that it could be the last of the true Studio Ghibli films now that the studio has halted feature production. Take a look and feast in the beauty of Japanese animation.
Now, it’s time to hear from the MiceChatters. We all know that Inside Out will likely win the Oscar, but please cast your vote for which film you think deserves the best Animated Feature Academy Award: