Feb. 5, 2024
In the current film industry, animation content seen in films and television has risen to prominence, which can be recognised in many animated adaptations hitting the big screens back in 2023. We look at several of these leading frontrunners in animation to earn a spot in the Oscars and Bafta. By: Dylan Low
The
best animation films are not only by established Hollywood studios, as there
has been an increase in competition vying for the top animation awards. Some of
these animated titles could be by reputable production companies such as
Disney, while others could be international, having made its way to the global
film audience.
There
are few filmmakers in the industry which are more proficient and admired than
Hayao Miyazaki. His latest film The Boy and The Heron has brought
further spotlight, represented as the famed director’s comeback project since
announcing his retirement from feature directing in 2013. The Studio Ghibili
production takes place during Japan’s pacific war times, featuring a part
autobiography of a boy transported into a fantasy world with a talking heron.
This project became a summer blockbuster film, despite limited promotional
backing. It made its global debut at the Toronto International Film Festival
(TIFF) previous autumn, making box office numbers with more than $113 million
since.
The
82-year-old Miyazaki, who is a three-time Oscar nominee who claimed the
illustrious award for his 2003 blockbuster film Spirited Away, could
possibly not make the awards season publicity rounds. Despite that, his film
will undoubtedly capture the attention of voters, having been credited by the
New York and Los Angeles critics that stated it to be the best animated
feature.
Another
notable contender for the awards would be Elemental, a feature film by
Pixar. Pixar has achieved much success over the years, claiming a staggering 17
nominations and 11 wins in the history of the animation feature Oscar.
Elemental showcases an animation tale of a world filled with characters
consisting of fire, water, air and earth. Pixar filmmaker Peter Sohn, who had
directed The Good Dinosaur, led the project with appraisal for its
creative backdrop alongside the first-and second-generation immigrant
concept.
The
animation, distributed through Disney, premiered at Cannes and debuted globally
last summer. Although its early box-office performance was below average
compared to Pixar’s other project, Elemental made a comeback to become
2023’s third-biggest animated film, grossing $496m internationally.
A
possible frontrunner for the awards would be Wish, a distinguished film
title from Pixar’s associated company Walt Disney Animation Studios. They have
performed well for the awards, having notched an incredible 13 nominations and
four wins in Oscar’s history. Wish draws inspiration from the Walt
Disney Company’s 100-year celebrations last year. Filmmaker Chris Buck, who
was also director of Frozen franchse, is joined alongside Fawn
Veerasunthorn in helming the project. Jennifer Lee, who is the screenplay
writer with Allison Moore, had guided the creative team as the chief creative
officer of the animated tale.
With
the Oscars and BAFTA Film Awards approaching, do not miss these film titles as
they are set to garner recognition for their triumphant box-office performances
and achievements.
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