And the Award for Best Animated Feature Film Goes To…
When the Academy announces their nominations every year, there is only one category in which I am interested: Animated Feature Film. Historically, it’s the only category in which I have seen all the nominees, in addition to several not nominated. Some dismiss or categorize animated films as nothing more than fodder for “children.” However, in my experience, most animated features can be entertaining and engaging for all in attendance.
The 2023 Academy Award Nominees roster for Best Animated Feature is one of the best collections of animated films in years. Each has a potential for the win for differing reasons, but only one can win the top award. So, who will win? Will it be Guillermo del Toro’s Pinocchio, A24’s Marcel the Shell with Shoes On, Pixar's Turning Red, DreamWorks' Puss in Boots: The Last Wish, or Netflix's The Sea Beast?
Join me, as I go over each film’s chances of winning, my opinions about the films and, ultimately, who I think will win the award.
The Nominees
Guillermo del Toro’s Pinocchio
Trailer: https://youtu.be/Od2NW1sfRdA
Brief Description: In this re-imagined take of the classic tale, a father’s wish magically brings a wooden boy to life in Italy, giving him a chance to care for the child. However, the two of them have to struggle to find a place for themselves as Italy becomes embroiled in fascism.
Personal Highlight of the Film: I love how this movie so eloquently channeled some of the darker themes from the original story and put them into a modern context. So many are too familiar with the Disney version that they are unaware that Pinocchio is in reality, kind of a jerk. I love the fact that they did not shy away from that aspect of the character or the darker elements of the original story.
My Opinion: This was the only movie of 2022 that I wanted to see in the cinema but was unable to find a showing within two hours of my location. This was my #4 overall for all movies that I saw in 2022 and for good reason. It’s not just the puppetry that makes this movie great, it’s the story behind it. This brilliant re-telling was the passion project of del Toro’s for the last ten years. The stop motion puppetry is beautiful as is its design.
Chances of Winning: Guillermo del Toro’s Pinocchio is the assumed front runner for the award and for good reason. This movie is cleverly crafted with love and hard work, and it shows. It is an example of what is possible when we take the time to get something done right, as opposed to rushing to get something done by a deadline. As much as I love this movie, there are other equally strong contenders. The movie does have some elements that could be considered controversial, especially for those that would foolishly label this movie as a “kids movie.” It can be viewed by the whole family, but I would not define it as a “kids movie.” Unless, of course, you want your kids asking you later why the puppets were saluting like the Nazis. This movie came out at the right time to be fresh in the voting member’s minds, it is easily accessible to the public, and has easy name recognition both in story title and the creative mind behind it.
A24’s Marcel the Shell with Shoes On
Trailer: https://youtu.be/k98Afd7Nf3Y
Brief Description: Marcel, a 1-inch-tall shell, lives with his grandmother, Connie, the only residents of their town after their neighbors' sudden, mysterious disappearance. When discovered by a guest amongst the clutter of his Airbnb, the short film he posts online brings Marcel millions of passionate fans and a new hope of reuniting with his long-lost family.
Personal Highlight of the Film: I was not familiar with the original Marcel clips that came out several years ago, so I don’t know how much was taken from those to influence the movie. I only say this, because I don’t have any one particular moment in the film that I think is better than the rest. I just enjoy Marcel doing what he must do to survive. Whether that is harvesting tangerines with the assistance of an electric mixer or navigating the house inside a tennis ball. This film is a testament to a filmmaker’s ability to cause an audience to care about the most absurd of things.; in this case a small shell with shoes on. In my audience there was a collective empathetic anxiety in the time before Marcel finds out about the passing of his grandmother.
My Opinion: Marcel the Shell with Shoes On was my overall six pick for movies that I saw in 2022. As I have said on many occasions, it is just so “gosh darn delightful.” I challenge anyone not to fall in love with Marcel by the end of the film. There are a few moments and themes that might be hard for younger ages to emotionally handle, but that is why it makes a good family film. Watch it with your family. If the kids have questions, you can answer them as a family. Don’t be surprised if they glue some googly eyes to small shells and you discover your own Marcel family starting in your household. OH! And its stop motion! I love stop motion!
Chances of Winning: Marcel the Shell with Shoes On holds a possible chance to win the award. Although coming in a assumed second in many critic circles and articles, there is a very real possibility for Marcel to win the award. With as many quality contenders as there are this year, there is a possibility that the votes might be more spread out than normal, allowing a film like Marcel to need less votes than normal to secure the win. In many years, Marcel would have been the favorite (depending on what Disney/Pixar produced that year.)
Pixar's Turning Red
Trailer: https://youtu.be/XdKzUbAiswE
Brief Description: A thirteen-year-old girl is torn between staying her mother's dutiful daughter and the changes of adolescence. And as if the challenges were not enough, whenever she gets overly excited, she transforms into a giant red panda.
Personal Highlight of the Film: There are many great moments in this film. However, the most lasting and my personal favorite comes near the end of the film in which Mei meets her mother, Ming in the astral Red Panda realm. Ming has de-aged to the same age as her daughter and seems to be in the same mental state that she was in when she injured her mother after turning into a red panda. Mei quickly discovers that her mother experienced the same level of pressure to be perfect that Mei had been experiencing during the duration of the film. Through Mei’s perspective, the audience is given insight into how trauma can so easily be passed from one generation to the next. After comforting Ming, Mei takes her mother by the hand and leads her to rejoin her family in which her mother gradually ages as the two walk through the beautiful ethereal forest.
My Opinion: I think that this is a great film, worthy of an Oscar nomination. Was it my favorite Pixar? No, but not for the reasons one might think. I have a very specific (maybe personal) problem with this film and it is when it is set. Most of the film is set in April/May 2002. Now, I cannot personally attest to what it was like to be a Canadian teenager in the Spring of 2002. However, from my personal perspective the world, especially the United States and its allies, were a little on edge due to the terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center and Pentagon that had just occurred a few months before. When the enormous, Godzilla sized Red Panda begins to attack Toronto near the conclusion of the film, my mind couldn’t help but wonder where were the jets and military. The US (and presumably its ally to the North) seemed to be on high alert during this time and a threat this large would have seemed to warrant a military response. For those that say this is an animated film in an animated world, I would counter that this animated film chose a very specific date range. The movie did not shy away from other elements of the real world during that time. I recognize that the film is somewhat based off some life experiences of its creators. (Obviously, not the literal transformation into a giant red panda). And the choice for the era of the film is very specific for them, but as an audience member who clearly remembers what the world was like in that time, I found it very difficult to remove the “movie world” from what was happening in the “real world” during that same time.
Now with all that said, Turning Red’s other “controversy” about the movie being “too mature” or “inappropriate” for its audience; in my opinion is total bunk. Why some people have issues when a movie even remotely discusses normal human bodily functions; double so when it’s about female bodily functions, is beyond me. The fact that women’s health, when even discussed, is in hushed or obscured tones is damaging to not only women but men as well. Proper education should be given to everyone about how the human body works, regardless of sex. As a product of the public school system, I can personally attest that the changes that a biologically female’s body goes through were not discussed, at least not with the males in our class. (To be honest, I am not even sure it was in our textbooks.) The fact that the movie never even directly says the word “period” but that is what so many seem hung up on is so disconcerting. Teach children how the human body works. It does no good to anyone by leading them astray. Okay, rant over.
Chances of Winning: Normally, I would say that the chances for Turning Red are not great. However, it has one enormous advantage: Pixar. The Pixar brand carries a lot of weight. In a year, when Disney Animation could not get their feature animated film, Strange World, nominated, it puts more pressure (and company resources) behind Turning Red. Compound this with the fact that Pixar’s other 2022 film, Lightyear, was received less than favorably by both critics and audiences, puts even more emphasis on Turning Red needing a win. My fear is that Turning Red could win, not on the actual merits of the film but by the fact that other members of the Academy will vote for it solely on Pixar/Disney brand. Does it deserve to be nominated? Yes. Do I think that it could win? Yes. Do I want it to win? No.
DreamWorks' Puss in Boots: The Last Wish
Trailer: https://youtu.be/xgZLXyqbYOc
Brief Description: Puss in Boots discovers that his passion for adventure has taken its toll when he learns that he has burnt through eight of his nine lives. Puss sets out on an epic journey to find the mythical Last Wish and restore his nine lives.
Personal Highlight of the Film: There are so many brilliant moments in this movie. One of my favorite characters is the Jimmy Stewart sounding cricket who continually tries to steer the evil Jack Horner to the path of goodness only to become more and more horrified at each new action. Besides that, the sub-plot of this movie which revolves around Goldie and the three bears should not be down played. The fact that so many characters have rich, dynamic character growth in this relatively short film should truly be commended.
My Opinion: This might have been the most unexpectedly delightful, animated film that I saw last year. I went into it with fairly low expectations, having watched the Shrek franchise slip further and further into mediocrity with each passing feature. Is there anyone that is willing to argue for the merits of Shrek the Third? However, the years since the presumed wrap on the Shrek universe, the producers and writers of this film seemingly decided to take a fresh approach and create something of substance instead of a continued expansion of franchise fatigue. Where is this all going? I really liked this film.
In my opinion, it sits right behind Shrek 2 (the first appearance of Puss) in my favorites of the Shrek Universe. I thought the story was poignant, especially as a person going through a bit of a life transition myself. The animation was fresh. And overall the movie was really well balanced between humor, action, and drama. I would recommend this film to almost everyone. You’re going to have a good time.
Chances of Winning: I never would have considered this movie to be an Oscar contender until I saw it in late January. Those that have seen this movie can and will attest to the brilliant message and storytelling that was wholly unexpected and almost absent from the film’s advertising. Although, this movie does not appear to be one of the top contenders for the award, I would like to think of it as a dark horse possibility. Ultimately, I think that perceived stigma of being nothing more than another chapter in a well-worn franchise will be its undoing for the awards. It is a quality film but has other contenders with a more fighting chance. Still this film has the possibility of siphoning enough votes away from other nominees to make the ultimate winner a true tossup.
Netflix's The Sea Beast
Trailer: https://youtu.be/P-E-IGQCsPo
Brief Description: When a young girl stows away on the ship of a legendary sea monster hunter, they launch an epic journey into uncharted waters.
Personal Highlight of the Film: The moment that stands out in my memory of this film, is while traveling back to land atop the sea monster, Jacob and Maisie pull what seems to be hundreds of embedded spears from the beast’s back. This scene truly humanizes both Jacob and the beast. It almost makes you imagine an alternate version of Melville’s whale. A version in which the whale and Ishmael become united against a murderous Ahab.
My Opinion: I don’t have much to say about this film that wasn’t said in my initial review of the movie: “It’s “How to Train Your Dragon” but in the ocean! This movie would be perfect for the whole family. It doesn’t particularly break any new ground in visuals or storytelling, just an overall good movie.”
Chances of Winning: I’m not going to waste your time, this movie is not going to win. It should take earned pride in the knowledge that it is a nominee for this year. I suppose there is always a chance that it could win, but besides the initial conversations had after the nomination, no one has really discussed this movie since it came out several months ago.
And now (in my opinion) the award for Best Animated Feature Film goes to:
Guillermo del Toro’s Pinocchio
None of the nominees did anything particularly wrong to knock themselves out of contention, it’s just that Pinocchio did everything right. It is a brilliant, retelling of a classic story that we think we know by heart. It came out at the right time to get in front of the right people to be fresh in their memories during awards season.. Additionally, it was easily accessible from the start. As many people have Netflix, there was never a need to see it at a premiere, cinema or as a screener. All you had to do was open an app and it was right there.
Guillermo del Toro’s Pinocchio winning the award would be the perfect finale for a del Toro; who has been working to bring this story to the screen for so long. Pinocchio illustrates that stop motion can be just as moving and poignant as tradition animation which has held dominance over the category since its inception.
RANKED VOTE SCENARIO WINNER: Marcel the Shell with Shoes On
Without going to deeply into how the Academy voting procedure works, there is a possibility that Marcel the Shell with Shoes On could find itself winning the Academy Award. To put it simply, if Pinocchio does not garner the minimum required 50%+1 of the votes, then the ranked voting rules would go into affect to determine the winner of the category. With so many quality potential candidates there is a very real possibility that Pinocchio will not receive the required number of votes, forcing the ranked procedures to go into affect. In this specific scenario, I think that Marcel the Shell with Shoes On could come out as the top winner. Although, potentially not being the voter’s top pick, it’s assumed status as the number two favorite among the Academy members could provide it enough standing in the ranked system to secure a win.
Although perhaps not having as much buzz in the majority of the country, this movie and the shorts that inspired it have successfully stayed in the conversation over the past several months since its release. The producing studio, A24, has a strong showing in many other categories due to its best picture nominee, Everything Everywhere All Once. Marcel the Shell with Shoes On has been successful no its own merits, but being the another movie from the same studio doesn’t hurt it’s chances.
If Marcel can maintain its perceived status and solidly garner enough votes while other nominees such as Turning Red and Puss in Boots: The Last Wish take votes away from Pinocchio by being ranked higher, there is the possibility that Marcel could come out on top. In the end, there is a non-zero chance that Marcel could win. It would just have to make up a lot of ground to catch up on the lead that Pinocchio has.
FINAL THOUGHTS
It is my sincere belief that Pinocchio will come out of this as the winner, but I could be wrong. As I said in the beginning, this is a strong group of nominees. Marcel has a very real chance, of winning and people should not be surprised if it secures the win in the end.
Never discount the influence of the “Mouse.” Disney has deep pockets and deeper sway over members which could give Turning Red the win. However, even the influence of the “Mouse” will likely not be enough to give Turning Red the win. To much time has elapsed from the release of the movie and the “Mouse” seems to be more focused on trying to course correct its massive ship after years of mismanagement. (ADDITIONALLY: For anyone that is still reading at this point, I suggest keeping an eye on the “Mouse” over the course of the next year. Not only will it be interesting to see how the company and the State of Florida come to terms with the new reality from the termination of the Reedy Creek Improvement District, but potentially more impactful is the fact that “Steamboat Willie” will finally go into public domain; thus allowing the earliest version of Mickey Mouse to become accessible for everyone to use in whatever manner they see fit. )
I would be utterly shocked, but still ecstatic if Puss in Boots: The Last Wish won. Out of all the nominees, I think that it is the most re-watchable, but given that this is the Academy Awards, reviewability is not usually a big contributing factor.
Finally, in no reality does The Sea Beast win. I went forward in time to view alternate futures to see all the possible outcomes. Fourteen million six hundred and five to be exact. How many did Sea Beast win? None of them.