DVDizzy Forum

Previously: Oscar for Best Animated Feature 2021

Twenty-seven animated feature films have been submitted for the 2022 Academy Awards.

Apollo 10 ½: A Space Age Adventure
The Bad Guys
The Bob's Burgers Movie
Charlotte
Drifting Home
Eternal Spring
Goodbye, Don Glees!
Inu-Oh
Lamya’s Poem
League of Super-Pets
Lightyear
Little Nicholas: Happy as Can Be
Luck
Mad God
Marcel the Shell with Shoes On
Minions: The Rise of Gru
My Father's Dragon
New Gods: Yang Jian
Oink
Paws of Fury: The Legend of Hank
Pinocchio
Puss in Boots: The Last Wish
Run, Tiger, Run!
The Sea Beast
Strange World
Turning Red
Wendell & Wild


Notes

• Absolute Denial was released in the U.S. on December 06, 2022 but only on digital.

• Adam by Eve: A Live in Animation which was released in the U.S. on March 15, 2022 may not be eligible since it is an animated/live-action hybrid.

• Ainbo: Spirit of the Amazon was released in the U.S. on November 29, 2022 but only on digital, on demand, and on home video.

• Around the World in 80 Days received a limited theatrical release in the U.S. on May 06, 2022 but not an Oscar-qualifying run.

• Aquaman: King of Atlantis was released in the U.S. on May 14, 2022 on Cartoon Network and on June 21, 2022 on digital and on home video.

• Aqua Teen Forever: Plantasm was released in the U.S. on November 08, 2022 but only on digital and on home video.

• Avatar: The Way of Water which was released in the U.S. on December 16, 2022 may not be eligible since it is an animated/live-action hybrid.

• BanG Dream! Poppin' Dream! was released in the U.S. on September 01, 2022 but only on Crunchyroll.

• Barbie: Mermaid Power was released in the U.S. on September 01, 2022 but only on Netflix.

• Batman and Superman: Battle of the Super Sons was released in the U.S. on October 18, 2022 but only on digital and on home video.

• Beavis and Butt-Head Do the Universe was released in the U.S. on June 23, 2022 but only on Paramount Plus.

• Blue Thermal received a limited theatrical release in the U.S. in December 03, 2022 but not an Oscar-qualifying run.

• Blue's Big City Adventure was released in the U.S. on November 18, 2022 but only on Paramount Plus.

• The Boss Baby: Christmas Bonus was released in the U.S. on December 06, 2022 but only on Netflix.

• Bubble was released in the U.S. on April 28, 2022 but only on Netflix.

• Buster's Big Halloween was released in the U.S. on October 07, 2022 but only on YouTube.

• Caillou: Adventures with Grandma and Grandpa was released in the U.S. on August 25, 2022 but only on Peacock.

• Caillou: The Bravest Wolf Boy was released in the U.S. on October 15, 2022 but only on Peacock.

• Caillou: Rosie the Giant was released in the U.S. on July 10, 2022 but only on Peacock.

• Caillou: The Silver Knight was released in the U.S. on November 13, 2022 but only on Peacock.

• Canvas was released in the U.S. on August 09, 2022 but only on demand.

• Cat Pack: A Paw Patrol Exclusive Event was released in the U.S. on June 24, 2022 but only on Paramount Plus.

• Catwoman: Hunted was released in the U.S. on February 08, 2022 but only on digital and on home video.

• Chickenhare and the Hamster of Darkness was released in the U.S. on June 10, 2022 but only on Netflix.

• Child of Kamiari Month was released in the U.S. on February 08, 2022 but only on Netflix.

• Chip 'n Dale: Rescue Rangers which was released in the U.S. on May 20, 2022 may not be eligible since it is an animated/live-action hybrid.

• Daniel Tiger's Neighborhood: Daniel Visits a New Neighborhood was released in the U.S. on June 20, 2022 but only on PBS Kids.

• Deemo: Memorial Keys received a limited theatrical release in the U.S. on November 20, 2022 but not an Oscar-qualifying run.

• The Deer King which was released in the U.S. on July 13, 2022 was not submitted for consideration even though eligible.

• Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Rodrick Rules was released in the U.S. on December 02, 2022 but only on Disney Plus.

• Disenchanted which was released in the U.S. on November 18, 2022 may not be eligible since it is an animated/live-action hybrid.

• The Dog Knight was released in the U.S. on March 08, 2022 on digital and on June 09, 2022 on Hulu.

• Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero which was released in the U.S. on August 19, 2022 was not submitted for consideration even though eligible.

• Elinor Wonders Why: A Wonderful Journey was released in the U.S. on April 18, 2022 but only on PBS Kids.

• Entergalactic was released in the U.S. on September 30, 2022 but only on Netflix.

• Eureka: Eureka Seven Hi-Evolution received a limited theatrical release in the U.S. on May 17, 2022 but not an Oscar-qualifying run.

• Evangelion: 3.0+1.0 — Thrice Upon a Time which received a limited theatrical release in the U.S. οn December 06, 2022 is not eligible as it received non-theatrical public distribution prior to its theatrical exhibition.

• Fate/Grand Order Final Singularity — Grand Temple of Time: Solomon was released in the U.S. on February 18, 2022 but only on Funimation and Crunchyroll.

• Fate/Kaleid Liner Prisma Illya: Licht Nameless Girl was released in the U.S. on May 11, 2022 on HIDIVE and on October 4, 2022 on digital and on home video.

• Fireheart was released in the U.S. on February 15, 2022 but only on Hulu.

• Free! The Final Stroke — Part 1 received a limited theatrical release in the U.S. on December 04, 2022 but not an Oscar-qualifying run.

• Fruits Basket: Prelude received a limited theatrical release in the U.S. on June 25, 2022 but not an Oscar-qualifying run.

• Ghost in the Shell: SAC_2045 — Sustainable War was released in the U.S. on May 09, 2022 but only on Netflix.

• Ginger’s Tale was released in the U.S. on July 05, 2022 but only on Hulu.

• Girls und Panzer das Finale: Part 3 was released in the U.S. on September 20, 2022 on digital and on home video and on December 19, 2022 on HIDIVE.

• Green Lantern: Beware My Power was released in the U.S. on July 26, 2022 but only on digital and on home video.

• The Great Wolf Pack: A Call to Adventure was released in the U.S. on September 05, 2022 but only on YouTube.

• Gulliver Returns was released in the U.S. on August 09, 2022 but only on digital and on home video.

• Hotel Transylvania: Transformania was released in the U.S. on January 14, 2022 but only on Amazon Prime Video.

• The House was released in the U.S. on January 14, 2022 but only on Netflix.

• The House of the Lost on the Cape which was released in the U.S. on September 07, 2022 was not submitted for consideration even though eligible.

• I Am Here which was released in the U.S. on March 11, 2022 may not be eligible since it is an animated/live-action hybrid.

• The Ice Age Adventures of Buck Wild was released in the U.S. on January 28, 2022 but only on Disney Plus.

• Iké Boys which was released in the U.S. on October 11, 2022 may not be eligible since it is an animated/live-action hybrid.

• Isekai Quartet: Another World was released in the U.S. on December 22, 2022 but only on Crunchyroll.

• The Journey received a limited theatrical release in the U.S. on April 12, 2022 but not an Oscar-qualifying run.

• Jujutsu Kaisen 0 which was released in the U.S. on March 18, 2022 was not submitted for consideration even though eligible.

• King Tweety was released in the U.S. on June 14, 2022 but only on digital and on home video.

• Kinmoza! Pretty Days was released in the U.S. on November 08, 2022 but only on home video.

• Kinmoza the Movie: Thank You!! was released in the U.S. on November 08, 2022 but only on home video.

• Laid-Back Camp: The Movie received a limited theatrical release in the U.S. on November 18, 2022 but not an Oscar-qualifying run.

• Lego Star Wars: Summer Vacation was released in the U.S. on August 05, 2022 but only on Disney Plus.

• Little Sorcerer was released in the U.S. on May 06, 2022 but only on digital.

• L.O.L. Surprise! Winter Fashion Show was released in the U.S. on October 22, 2022 but only on Netflix.

• Lyle, Lyle Crocodile which was released in the U.S. on October 07, 2022 may not be eligible since it is an animated/live-action hybrid.

• Marmaduke was released in the U.S. on April 28, 2022 but only on Netflix.

• Mia and Me: The Hero of Centopia was released in the U.S. on October 04, 2022 but only on digital.

• Mickey: The Story of a Mouse which was released in the U.S. on November 18, 2022 may not be eligible since it is an animated/live-action hybrid.

• Mobile Suit Gundam: Cucuruz Doan's Island received a limited theatrical release in the U.S. on September 27, 2022 but not an Oscar-qualifying run.

• Moonbound was released in the U.S. on September 06, 2022 but only on digital and on demand.

• Mortal Kombat Legends: Snow Blind was released in the U.S. on October 09, 2022 on digital and on October 11, 2022 on home video.

• My Little Pony: Make Your Mark was released in the U.S. on May 26, 2022 but only on Netflix.

• My Little Pony: Winter Wishday was released in the U.S. on November 21, 2022 but only on Netflix.

• My Sweet Monster was released in the U.S. on April 12, 2022 but only on digital, on demand, and on home video.

• Naked Mole Rat Gets Dressed: The Underground Rock Experience was released in the U.S. in June 30, 2022 but only on HBO Max and Cartoon Network.

• Night at the Museum: Kahmunrah Rises Again was released in the U.S. on December 09, 2022 but only on Disney Plus.

• Nussa was released in the U.S. on September 29, 2022 but only on Amazon Prime Video.

• The Nutcracker and the Magic Flute was released in the U.S. on November 15, 2022 but only on digital and on demand.

• Odd Taxi: In the Woods was released in the U.S. on September 08, 2022 but only on Crunchyroll.

• One Piece Film: Red which was released in the U.S. on November 04, 2022 was not submitted for consideration even though eligible.

• The Owl House: Thanks to Them was released in the U.S. on October 15, 2022 but only on Disney Channel and Disney XD.

• The Paloni Show! Halloween Special! was released in the U.S. on October 17, 2022 but only on Hulu.

• Pil's Adventures received a limited theatrical release in the U.S. on August 09, 2022 but not an Oscar-qualifying run.

• Pinocchio which was released in the U.S. on September 08, 2022 may not be eligible since it is an animated/live-action hybrid.

• Pinocchio: A True Story was released in the U.S. on March 22, 2022 but only on digital, on demand, and on home video.

• Pokémon: The Arceus Chronicles was released in the U.S. on September 23, 2022 but only on Netflix.

• Princess Principal: Crown Handler — Chapter 2 was released in the U.S. on November 22, 2022 but only on home video.

• The Quintessential Quintuplets Movie received a limited theatrical release in the U.S. on December 02, 2022 but not an Oscar-qualifying run.

• Rabbids Invasion: Mission to Mars was released in the U.S. on February 18, 2022 but only on Netflix.

• Reindeer in Here was released in the U.S. on November 29, 2022 but only on CBS and Paramount Plus.

• Revue Starlight: The Movie received a limited theatrical release in the U.S. on June 05, 2022 but not an Oscar-qualifying run.

• Rise of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: The Movie was released in the U.S. on August 05, 2022 but only on Netflix.

• Riverdance: The Animated Adventure was released in the U.S. on January 14, 2022 but only on Netflix.

• Ryoma! The Prince of Tennis received a limited theatrical release in the U.S. on May 12, 2022 but not an Oscar-qualifying run.

• Scrooge: A Christmas Carol which was released in the U.S. on November 18, 2022 was not submitted for consideration even though eligible.

• The Seven Deadly Sins: Grudge of Edinburgh — Part 1 was released in the U.S. on December 20, 2022 but only on Netflix.

• Sing a Bit of Harmony received a limited theatrical release in the U.S. on January 23, 2022 but not an Oscar-qualifying run.

• The Soccer Football Movie was released in the U.S. on November 09, 2022 but only on Netflix.

• Sonic the Hedgehog 2 which was released in the U.S. on April 08, 2022 may not be eligible since it is an animated/live-action hybrid.

• South Park: The Streaming Wars was released in the U.S. on June 01, 2022 but only on Paramount Plus.

• South Park: The Streaming Wars — Part 2 was released in the U.S. on July 13, 2022 but only on Paramount Plus.

• Summer Ghost received a limited theatrical release in the U.S. on July 03, 2022 but not an Oscar-qualifying run.

• Tad the Lost Explorer and the Emerald Tablet received a limited theatrical release in the U.S. on November 04, 2022 but not an Oscar-qualifying run.

• Teasing Master Takagi-san: The Movie received a limited theatrical release in the U.S. on August 14, 2022 but not an Oscar-qualifying run.

• Teen Titans Go! & DC Super Hero Girls: Mayhem in the Multiverse was released in the U.S. on May 24, 2022 on digital and on home video and on May 28, 2022 on Cartoon Network.

• Trick or Treat Scooby-Doo! was released in the U.S. on October 04, 2022 on digital and on October 18, 2022 on home video.

• Troll which was released in the U.S. on December 01, 2022 may not be eligible since it is an animated/live-action hybrid.

• Tom and Jerry: Cowboy Up! was released in the U.S. on January 25, 2022 but only on digital and on home video.

• Tom and Jerry: Snowman's Land was released in the U.S. on November 15, 2022 but only on digital and on home video.

• Where Is Anne Frank received a limited theatrical release in the U.S. on November 16, 2022 but not an Oscar-qualifying run.

A Guide To 22 Major Animated Features Coming Out In 2022
https://www.cartoonbrew.com/feature-fil ... 08960.html

The trailer for DreamWorks Animation's next film, The Bad Guys, has been released. I find the concept interesting, but the animation looks a bit weird to me. It seems they added 2D-looking lines over the characters and backgrounds, but the effect is too subtle, in my opinion. Also, the style and designs seem inspired by anime, right? It seems there's a trend of doing that in animation right now, as Luca and Turning Red are also partly inspired by that style.

Here's also the full synopsis:

Nobody has ever failed so hard at trying to be good as The Bad Guys.

In the new action comedy from DreamWorks Animation, based on the New York Times best-selling book series, a crackerjack criminal crew of animal outlaws are about to attempt their most challenging con yet—becoming model citizens.

Never have there been five friends as infamous as The Bad Guys—dashing pickpocket Mr. Wolf (Academy Award® winner Sam Rockwell, Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri), seen-it-all safecracker Mr. Snake (Marc Maron, GLOW), chill master-of-disguise Mr. Shark (Craig Robinson, Hot Tub Time Machine franchise), short-fused “muscle” Mr. Piranha (Anthony Ramos, In the Heights) and sharp-tongued expert hacker Ms. Tarantula (Awkwafina, Crazy Rich Asians), aka “Webs.”

But when, after years of countless heists and being the world’s most-wanted villains, the gang is finally caught, Mr. Wolf brokers a deal (that he has no intention of keeping) to save them all from prison: The Bad Guys will go good.

Under the tutelage of their mentor Professor Marmalade (Richard Ayoade, Paddington 2), an arrogant (but adorable!) guinea pig, The Bad Guys set out to fool the world that they’ve been transformed. Along the way, though, Mr. Wolf begins to suspect that doing good for real may give him what he’s always secretly longed for: acceptance. So when a new villain threatens the city, can Mr. Wolf persuade the rest of the gang to become … The Good Guys?

The film co-stars Zazie Beetz (Joker), Lilly Singh (Bad Moms) and Emmy winner Alex Borstein (The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel).

Based on the blockbuster Scholastic book series by Aaron Blabey, The Bad Guys is directed by Pierre Perifel (animator, the Kung Fu Panda films), making his feature-directing debut. The film is produced by Damon Ross (development executive Trolls, The Boss Baby, co-producer Nacho Libre) and Rebecca Huntley (associate producer, The Boss Baby). The executive producers are Aaron Blabey, Etan Cohen and Patrick Hughes.

Coming Soon: Your Guide to 38 Animated Movies in 2022
https://www.animationmagazine.net/featu ... k-in-2022/

Netflix Previews 2022 Animated Film Slate
https://www.animationmagazine.net/strea ... sea-beast/

2022: The Year Ahead In Animated Film
https://www.animationforadults.com/2022 ... -film.html

A Guide To 22 Major Animated Features Coming Out In 2022
https://www.cartoonbrew.com/feature-fil ... 08960.html

Tired Of Kiddie Animated Features? Here’s 5 Mature Films To Look Forward To In 2022
https://www.cartoonbrew.com/feature-fil ... 11717.html

An Early Look At This Year’s Animated Feature Oscar Race
https://www.cartoonbrew.com/awards/2023 ... 20272.html

Questions We’re Asking About This Year’s Animated Feature Oscars Race
https://www.cartoonbrew.com/awards/2023 ... 21406.html

2022 Best Animated Feature Contenders
https://nextbestpicture.com/2022-best-a ... ontenders/

The 2022 Best Animated Feature Race So Far, And What’s Still To Come
https://nextbestpicture.com/the-2022-be ... l-to-come/

‘It’s Kind of Embarrassing’: Why Animators Are Unhappy With the Oscars
https://www.vulture.com/article/oscars- ... blems.html

For "How Do You Live?", that Animation Magazine article says, "(Originally slated for 2022, chances are it will move to 2023.)". I wonder if it'll actually come out in the next couple years. It's taken so long (not in a bad way, but I guess it feels like it'll never come out so hopefully it will soon-ish!)

Ten feature films have been selected in the Feature Film category and ten in the Feature Film Contrechamp category at the 2022 Annecy International Animated Film Festival.

Feature Film

01. Blind Willow, Sleeping Woman
02. Charlotte
03. Goodbye, Don Glees!
04. The House of the Lost on the Cape
05. The Island
06. Little Nicholas: Happy as Can Be
07. My Love Affair with Marriage
08. Nayola
09. No Dogs or Italians Allowed
10. Unicorn Wars

Feature Film Contrechamp

01. Aurora's Sunrise
02. Chun Tae-Il: A Flame That Lives On
03. Dozens of Norths
04. Home Is Somewhere Else
05. Khamsa: The Well of Oblivion
06. My Grandfather's Demons
07. The Other Shape
08. Quantum Cowboys
09. Silver Bird and Rainbow Fish
10. Yaya and Lennie: The Walking Liberty

Update: Little Nicholas: Happy as Can Be won the top prize, the Cristal for a Feature Film. No Dogs or Italians Allowed won the Jury Award as well as the Gan Foundation Award for Distribution. My Love Affair with Marriage and Blind Willow, Sleeping Woman won the Jury Distinction. Dozens of Norths won the Contrechamp Award while Chun Tae-Il: A Flame That Lives On won the Contrechamp Jury Distinction.


Ten feature films have been nominated for Anime Movie of the Year at the Anime Trending Awards 2022.

01. Belle
02. Bubble
03. Drifting Home
04. Fate/Grand Order Final Singularity — Grand Temple of Time: Solomon
05. Fortune Favors Lady Nikuko
06. Jujutsu Kaisen 0
07. Pompo: The Cinephile
08. Revue Starlight: The Movie
09. Sing a Bit of Harmony
10. Sword Art Online the Movie -Progressive- Aria of a Starless Night


Ten feature films have been nominated for Best Animation at the Hochi Film Awards 2022. Update: Tatami Time Machine Blues: The Movie won in the category.

01. The Bad Guys
02. Case Closed: The Bride of Halloween
03. The Deer King
04. Drifting Home
05. Inu-Oh
06. One Piece Film: Red
07. Suzume
08. Tatami Time Machine Blues: The Movie
09. The Tunnel to Summer, the Exit of Goodbye
10. Where Is Anne Frank


Eight feature films have been selected for competition at the 2022 Animation Is Film Festival.

01. Aurora's Sunrise
02. Gold Kingdom and Water Kingdom
03. Little Nicholas: Happy as Can Be
04. My Father's Dragon
05. Oink
06. Perlimps
07. Titina
08. Unicorn Wars

Update: Little Nicholas: Happy as Can Be won the top honor, the Grand Jury Prize, while My Father’s Dragon won the Special Jury Prize. Aurora’s Sunrise won the Audience Award.


Six feature films have been nominated for Ibero-American Animation Feature Film at the Quirino Awards 2022. Update: Bob Spit: We Do Not Like People won in the category.

01. Ainbo: Spirit of the Amazon
02. Bob Spit: We Do Not Like People
03. Dogtanian and the Three Muskehounds
04. My Uncle José
05. The Red Scroll
06. Valentina


Five feature films have been nominated for Best Feature Film at the 2022 Manchester Animation Festival. Update: Nayola won in the category.

01. The Island
02. My Love Affair with Marriag
03. Nayola
04. No Dogs or Italians Allowed
05. Unicorn Wars


Five feature films have been nominated for Best Animated Film at the Asia Pacific Screen Awards 2022. Update: Aurora’s Sunrise won in the category.

01. Aurora’s Sunrise
02. Dounia and the Princess of Aleppo
03. Goodbye, Don Glees!
04. Silver Bird and Rainbow Fish
05. To the Bright Side


Five feature films have been nominated for European Animated Feature Film at the European Film Awards 2022. Update: No Dogs or Italians Allowed won in the category.

01. Little Nicholas: Happy as Can Be
02. My Love Affair with Marriage
03. My Neighbors' Neighbors
04. No Dogs or Italians Allowed
05. Oink


Five feature films have been nominated for Best Animated Film at the Lumières Awards 2022.

01. Ernest and Celestine: A Trip to Gibberitia
02. Little Nicholas: Happy as Can Be
03. The Black Pharaoh, the Savage, and the Princess
04. My Father’s Secrets
05. Τhe Neighbors of My Neighbors Are Neighbors of Mine


Five feature films have been nominated for Best Animated Film at the Goya Awards 2022.

01. Black Is Beltza II: Ainhoa
02. Inspector Sun and the Curse of the Black Widow
03. My Grandfather's Demons
04. Tad the Lost Explorer and the Emerald Tablet
05. Unicorn Wars

Where is Anne Frank is going to be released in theaters here on May 5, it previously had special screenings in festivals in Tel Aviv and Jerusalem, accompanied by a conversation with the director, Ari Folman, but I never could be bothered driving to those places so I'm glad I will finally get the chance to see it.

Here's another trailer, which is pretty similar to the original one, but has a few new shots:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vQJpxl916xk

It looks good. I think it was also screened at Cannes, where if I remember correctly got good reviews, though finally wasn't one of the top contenders for awards this season.

Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse is moving from Oct. 7, 2022 to June 2, 2023.

https://deadline.com/2022/04/spider-man ... 235007010/

D82 wrote:The animation looks a bit weird to me. It seems they added 2D-looking lines over the characters and backgrounds, but the effect is too subtle, in my opinion. Also, the style and designs seem inspired by anime, right?

DreamWorks is doing that with Puss in Boots 2 as well. I find that the comic book/anime-inspired effects and accents don't mesh well with the photorealistically-rendered characters. It's distracting instead of complimentary. The result makes me feel uneasy. They are clearly jumping on a trend here, but not every CG project can pull off what Spider-Verse did.

Farerb wrote:Where is Anne Frank is going to be released in theaters here on May 5, it previously had special screenings in festivals in Tel Aviv and Jerusalem, accompanied by a conversation with the director, Ari Folman, but I never could be bothered driving to those places so I'm glad I will finally get the chance to see it.

It's odd we still haven't heard anything about a U.S. distribution. I suppose there's still time, but if it doesn't get released this year, it won't be eligible for consideration, anymore.

D82 wrote:It looks good. I think it was also screened at Cannes, where if I remember correctly got good reviews, though finally wasn't one of the top contenders for awards this season.

I like the animation and the art direction. I'm glad that due to budget issues, the director was unable to do it entirely in stop-motion and opted instead for hand-drawn animation for the characters. It makes more sense given it's an adaptation of a graphic novel version of Anne Frank's diary. The film got middling reviews, so even if it was submitted this year, I really doubt it would get nominated.

Farerb wrote:Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse is moving from Oct. 7, 2022 to June 2, 2023.

The Super Mario Bros. Movie has also moved to 2023. With Spider-Verse getting pushed back, the fifth slot of the nominations has opened up. The movies that are definitely getting nominated are:

01. Turning Red (frontrunner)
02. Lightyear
03. Pinocchio
04. My Father's Dragon

The fifth one will probably be Strange World, but it's not a done deal. Other contenders that might push it out are:

• Wendell & Wild: Henry Selick is respected in the animation community and there is anticipation for his next film since Coraline, but we usually only get a single stop-motion animated film in a year, if any, and that position is reserved for Guillermo's Pinocchio. I believe two stop-motion films have never been nominated in the same year.

• Inu-Oh: GKids proved it should not be underestimated and the film's disability themes might give it an edge. However, as most foreign-language films, it has an uphill battle to face in order overcome the stigma associated with it and reach audiences and Academy voters.

• Marcel the Shell with Shoes On: It got great reviews at the festival circuit and the cute protagonist and the film's gentle sensibilities might put it on the map. It will be difficult though as an indie film to get picked over high-profile studio films.

• Puss in Boots: The Last Wish: The first one got nominated and depending on the reviews it gets, it might be the studio film challenging Strange World for the fifth slot.

Sotiris wrote:• Wendell & Wild: Henry Selick is respected in the animation community and there is anticipation for his next film since Coraline, but we usually only get a single stop-motion animated film in a year, if any, and that position is reserved for Guillermo's Pinocchio. I believe two stop-motion films have never been nominated in the same year.

It's happened a few times.

Shaun the Sheep Movie and Anomalisa were nominated the same year. So were My Life as a Zucchini and Kubo and the Two Strings; Coraline and Fantastic Mr. Fox; and Corpse Bride and Wallace & Gromit: The Curse of the Were-Rabbit.

And 2012 saw three stop-motion films nominated: Frankenweenie, ParaNorman and The Pirates! Band of Misfits.

I stand corrected then. I wonder why I was under this impression. Still, I think it will be difficult for Wendell & Wild to make it through.

Sotiris wrote:DreamWorks is doing that with Puss in Boots 2 as well. I find that the comic book/anime-inspired effects and accents don't mesh well with the photorealistically-rendered characters. It's distracting instead of complimentary. The result makes me feel uneasy. They are clearly jumping on a trend here, but not every CG project can pull off what Spider-Verse did.

Oh yes, I watched the Puss in Boots 2 trailer and it looked even worse than The Bad Guys. Plus, on top of that, it's inconsistent with the look of the first film. I agree with you that both elements don't mesh well together in these two cases.

Sotiris wrote:It's odd we still haven't heard anything about a U.S. distribution. I suppose there's still time, but if it doesn't get released this year, it won't be eligible for consideration, anymore.

I thought it had already been submitted last year. That's why I said it hadn't been one of the top contenders this past awards season. I hadn't even noticed this had been posted in the 2022 thread. Well, it still has a chance then, but why is this the last year it can be nominated? Is there a time limit between the domestic release and the US one for it to be considered for the Oscars?

Sotiris wrote:I like the animation and the art direction. I'm glad that due to budget issues, the director was unable to do it entirely in stop-motion and opted instead for hand-drawn animation for the characters. It makes more sense given it's an adaptation of a graphic novel version of Anne Frank's diary. The film got middling reviews, so even if it was submitted this year, I really doubt it would get nominated.

I didn't know it was initially going to be a stop-motion movie. I'm also glad they finally went with hand-drawn animation instead. Are there still stop-motion elements in it, though, then?

The reviews I read were mostly positive, but more than one did mention the film feels a bit too educational, so I agree it's not likely to be nominated.

estefan wrote:

Sotiris wrote:• Wendell & Wild: Henry Selick is respected in the animation community and there is anticipation for his next film since Coraline, but we usually only get a single stop-motion animated film in a year, if any, and that position is reserved for Guillermo's Pinocchio. I believe two stop-motion films have never been nominated in the same year.

It's happened a few times.

Shaun the Sheep Movie and Anomalisa were nominated the same year. So were My Life as a Zucchini and Kubo and the Two Strings; Coraline and Fantastic Mr. Fox; and Corpse Bride and Wallace & Gromit: The Curse of the Were-Rabbit.

And 2012 saw three stop-motion films nominated: Frankenweenie, ParaNorman and The Pirates! Band of Misfits.

All those cases are from when only the animation branch selected the nominees, though. Maybe it would be a bit more difficult for that to happen now. I guess it would depend on the quality and popularity of the movies.

D82 wrote:Plus, on top of that, it's inconsistent with the look of the first film.

True. Changing the visual style of an established franchise is never a good idea.

D82 wrote:Well, it still has a chance then, but why is this the last year it can be nominated? Is there a time limit between the domestic release and the US one for it to be considered for the Oscars?

Yes. Foreign animated films can be eligible for the Oscars only up to a year from the time they were released overseas.

D82 wrote:Are there still stop-motion elements in it, though, then?

Yes, the environments are stop-motion.

D82 wrote:All those cases are from when only the animation branch selected the nominees, though. Maybe it would be a bit more difficult for that to happen now.

That's a good point.

I think what will help Wendell & Wild is its distribution with Netflix. Netflix has been doing a consistent job of getting movies nominated for Best Animated Feature, receiving two nominations in 2019 and 2020 and one in 2021. They've kind of taken the spot(s) that used to be reserved for GKIDS every year.

Netflix has already started marketing Wendell & Wild, even though it doesn't release until October, which is uncharacteristic of them and seems to indicate they have a lot of faith in it (Guillermo del Toro's Pinocchio also released its first peek recently). Of course, they also have The Sea Beast and My Father's Dragon, so Netflix has a lot on their plate this year in terms of possible Animated Feature contenders. Even with Across the Spider-Verse taken out, it still looks like a competitive field.

Sotiris wrote:Yes. Foreign animated films can be eligible for the Oscars only up to a year from the time they were released overseas.

Oh, I didn't know that. I guess it makes sense to have a rule like that.

Sotiris wrote:Yes, the environments are stop-motion.

Oh, really? I noticed a 3D effect in some of the shots, but I thought it was CGI. They've been painted over, though, to integrate them with the characters, right? I hadn't thought of it, but that's actually a good alternative to CGI if you want to give the backgrounds some dimensionality in a 2D-animated film.

estefan wrote:Netflix has already started marketing Wendell & Wild, even though it doesn't release until October, which is uncharacteristic of them and seems to indicate they have a lot of faith in it (Guillermo del Toro's Pinocchio also released its first peek recently). Of course, they also have The Sea Beast and My Father's Dragon, so Netflix has a lot on their plate this year in terms of possible Animated Feature contenders. Even with Across the Spider-Verse taken out, it still looks like a competitive field.

I hadn't realized Netflix had so many Animated Feature contenders this year. Luck, Skydance Animation's first animated film, is also slated to premiere on Apple TV Plus this year. Do you guys think it could have any chances of a nomination?

It's possible. Of course, being John Lasseter's first project post-Disney/Pixar, Hollywood and the animation industry will probably be watching closely to see how moving to a new company plays a role in his decision making. If it gets strong reviews, Luck will probably be a potential nominee.

Oh, wow, Lightyear's coming this year? For some reason, I thought it was next year. I have low interest for that one. Partly because it's a spin-off, but I never liked Buzz as much as other characters in that universe, nor am I enticed by space / alien type stories. (I like Treasure Planet because of Jim's story and the emotional relationship between him and Silver, and in spite of the horrid alien designs; and I only recently--as in the past five years--warmed up to Lilo & Stitch.) I think you're right about your guesses for Oscar noms...

So is Pinocchio already out or is it later this year? I need to remember to watch that one.... Good to hear the talent behind Coraline are doing more films--is Wendell & Wild a general release or a streaming exclusive somewhere? I have a feeling Turning Red will win unless Pinocchio or Wendell & Wild are really amazing visually, since Strange World doesn't sound interesting at all to me so far, and good for Shi if so.

estefan wrote:It's possible. Of course, being John Lasseter's first project post-Disney/Pixar, Hollywood and the animation industry will probably be watching closely to see how moving to a new company plays a role in his decision making. If it gets strong reviews, Luck will probably be a potential nominee.

I agree. I'm very curious to see how the film is received by critics, the press in general, and the audience. Will the Lasseter scandal have some effect on its reception? I wonder if he'll take part in the film's promotion or take a back seat on this occasion (I think the latter would be wiser), or what the actors will say when asked about accepting to work with him.

I'm also curious about the quality of the film itself. I think Lasseter is good at knowing what the public likes, as his success running both Pixar and WDAS prove, but he relies too much on the same formula and now that both WDAS and Pixar are starting to move past it, I wonder if his films will seem dated or unoriginal in comparison. Though, many talented directors and artists are joining Skydance, so probably they'll be fine.

Disney's Divinity wrote:So is Pinocchio already out or is it later this year? I need to remember to watch that one.... Good to hear the talent behind Coraline are doing more films--is Wendell & Wild a general release or a streaming exclusive somewhere?

Both are Netflix films. According to the cast reveal video/teaser trailer respectively, Wendell & Wild will come out in October and Pinocchio in December. I think the specific dates haven't been announced yet.

D82 wrote:I hadn't realized Netflix had so many Animated Feature contenders this year.

Netflix releases many eligible animated films each year, but submits very few of them for the Oscars. Aside from Wendell & Wild, Pinocchio, The Sea Beast, and My Father's Dragon, there's Apollo 10 ½: A Space Age Adventure and Escape from Hat that will probably be submitted as well (unless Escape from Hat's release gets pushed back, of course, which is likely). Netflix is releasing another Cartoon Saloon movie this year, Puffin Rock: The Movie, but given how it's a preschool property, I doubt it will be submitted. It also has three non-franchise anime films for this year, Bubble, Child of Kamiari Month, and Drifting Home. Out of the three, Drifting Home seems the one most likely to be submitted since it's from the studio that made A Whisker Away which Netflix did submit in 2020. I hope all three get submitted as they seem interesting and of high-quality going by the trailers. Then there's the films Netflix acquired such as Riverdance, Marmaduke, or Rabbids Invasion: Mission to Mars, but those are considered low-quality kiddie fare and there's no chance they'll get submitted. If you watched their trailers, you'd understand.

D82 wrote:Luck, Skydance Animation's first animated film, is also slated to premiere on Apple TV Plus this year. Do you guys think it could have any chances of a nomination?

Not really. Aside from the Lasseter stigma which critics will take into account, the film won't get a theatrical release. It's an Apple TV+ exclusive which limits its exposure and reach. By the way, isn't Spellbound supposed to come out this year too? They haven't announced a release date for it yet, so it may have been pushed back to next year.