Animated films and shorts secure spots across multiple categories, reflecting the medium’s expanding influence.
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has unveiled its shortlists in 10 categories for the upcoming 97th Academy Awards, with animated projects making notable appearances in a record seven categories.
Animated Short Film Category
The Animated Short Film category features a diverse selection of 15 films from 13 countries, highlighting the global reach and creativity within the animation industry. Notable shortlisted films include:
- Au Revoir Mon Monde
- A Bear Named Wojtek
- Beautiful Men
- Bottle George
- A Crab in the Pool
- In the Shadow of the Cypress
- Magic Candies
- Maybe Elephants
- Me
- Origami
- Percebes
- The 21
- Wander to Wonder
- The Wild-Tempered Clavier
- Yuck!
These films showcase a range of storytelling techniques and artistic styles, reflecting the rich diversity of contemporary animation.
Visual Effects Category
In the Visual Effects category, the fully animated feature Mufasa: The Lion King has been shortlisted, underscoring the technical achievements and visual artistry of animated productions.
International Feature Film Category
Notably, Gints Zilbalodis’s animated feature Flow from Latvia has been shortlisted in the International Feature Film category, marking a significant milestone for animated films in traditionally live-action dominated categories.
Additional Categories
Animated projects have also secured spots in categories such as Music (Original Score), Music (Original Song), Sound, and others, reflecting the medium’s expanding influence and the industry’s recognition of animation’s multifaceted contributions to cinema.
Industry Impact
This unprecedented recognition across multiple categories highlights the evolving perception of animation as a versatile and impactful storytelling medium, capable of resonating with audiences and critics alike. The inclusion of animated projects in diverse categories signifies a broader acceptance and appreciation of the art form within the cinematic landscape.
Looking Ahead
As the awards season progresses, the animation industry and audiences worldwide eagerly anticipate the final nominations, set to be announced on January 17, 2025, followed by the 97th Oscars ceremony on March 2, 2025.
