The Animated Films Deserve Better: Beyond Best Animated Feature Awards

The animated film industry has seen multiple masterpieces that critics and fans believe deserve more recognition than just the Best Animated Feature category. These films push the boundaries of storytelling and animation, deserving a spot in the prestigious Best Picture category. Here’s a deep dive into some standout contenders that should have received Oscar nominations for Best Picture.

Responsive Animation: Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse (2018)

Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse (2018) is a classic example of an animated film that shouldn’t be confined to the Best Animated Feature category. Its groundbreaking animation style, featuring a blend of traditional and digital techniques, created a visual spectacle that resonated with audiences and critics alike. The film delves into complex themes of identity, heroism, and belonging, introducing a diverse range of Spider-People. This innovative work garnered critical acclaim, yet notably, it won the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature rather than Best Picture.

Spiritual and Emotional Depth: The Prince of Egypt (1998)

The Prince of Egypt (1998) stands as a testament to the potential of animated features to tackle profound themes with depth and emotion. This epic biblical animated feature boasts an outstanding story, intricate character development, and a hauntingly beautiful musical score. Critics and audiences alike have long argued that this film is a true masterpiece, rich in emotional depth and unflinching in its exploration of ancient history. Its opening and closing sequences, filled with breathtaking power and profound spirituality, continue to captivate viewers to this day. Despite being a spiritual and emotional powerhouse, it lost the Best Picture nomination to another animated film, emphasizing the ongoing issue of animated features being overlooked in the grand scheme of cinema.

Fantastic Content and Innovation: Spirited Away (2001)

Spirited Away (2001) is a groundbreaking work of art that transcended both animated storytelling and traditional feature films. Directed by Hayao Miyazaki, this film captures the essence of Japanese folklore and modern-day anxieties, presenting a compelling narrative that challenges and entertains. Its innovative animation techniques and complex character arcs have garnered widespread acclaim. While it won the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature, it deserved much more recognition, especially a Best Picture nomination. Spirited Away is a prime example of the kind of animated film that could successfully compete in the Best Picture category, offering a rich blend of mythology, fantasy, and human drama.

Emotionally Resonant and Culturally Influential: Wall-E (2008)

Wall-E, while not personally my favorite Pixar movie, still holds a special place in the hearts of many. Its compelling story about two robots, Wall-E and Eve, explores themes of love, ecological disaster, and redemption. The film’s animation, storytelling, and emotional resonance are truly outstanding. Despite its strong critical reception and recognition in various categories, it didn’t receive a Best Picture nomination. It’s a compelling story that deserves a place in the Best Picture category, reflecting the groundbreaking work and emotional depth of Pixar’s storytelling.

Emotional Mastery: Inside Out (2015)

Inside Out (2015) is a deeply emotional and innovative film that stands as one of Pixar’s most mature explorations of human emotions. The concept of exploring the emotions within a young girl’s mind through five personified entities (Anger, Joy, Sadness, Fear, and Disgust) is both ingenious and heartwarming. The film’s humor, emotional depth, and profound messages about depression and mental health are incredibly moving. It even received a Best Original Screenplay nomination, but it misses the coveted Best Picture category. This film gracefully handles complex emotional themes and provides a profound message tailored for a younger audience, highlighting the potential of animated features to engage and educate viewers.

Conclusion

These films—Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse, The Prince of Egypt, Spirited Away, Wall-E, and Inside Out—stand as exceptional examples of animated storytelling that deserve to be acknowledged at the highest level. They showcase the power and potential of the animated medium to tell compelling, deep, and culturally significant stories. The issue of animated features not being considered for the Best Picture category is a continuation of the debate about the inclusiveness of the Academy Awards. As the industry continues to evolve, it’s crucial to recognize and celebrate the artistic achievements of animated films with the same gravitas and respect accorded to live-action feature films.

For those interested in further exploring the intersections of animation and traditional cinema, these films offer a fascinating look into the boundaries of storytelling and creative expression. Whether you’re a critic, a filmmaker, or simply a fan of animated storytelling, these films are worth rewatching and pondering.