One of the easiest categories to predict in advance for the Academy Awards is that of Animated Feature. With a handful of major animation studios including: Disney, Pixar, Dreamworks, Ghibli, Laika, Sony and Netflix, there is always a good indication as to what animated features to keep an eye out for.
The obvious contenders slated for a 2024 release include sequels to previous winners and nominees in this category, such as: “Inside Out 2”, “Moana 2”, “Despicable Me 4”, “Kung Fu Panda 4” and “Wallace & Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl”. It is looking increasingly unlikely that the highly anticipated “Spider-Man: Beyond the Spider-Verse” will be arriving this year so consider that a non player this year.
The big release from Dreamworks is the upcoming adaptation of “The Wild Robot”, given the mixed reactions towards “Kung Fu Panda 4”. Other notable smaller animated films expected to compete include French animation “Flow” and Adam Elliot‘s “Memoir of a Snail”.
There are also upcoming animated features in the financially successful “Lord of the Rings” and “Transformers” franchises and stop-motion animators Laika will be hoping “Wildwood” will be their first win in the category after a handful of nominations so far.
It is shaping up to be a stacked year in the animation race and with only five slots available on nomination morning, some big players are guaranteed to miss out.
Full list of Animated Feature predictions – June 2024:
Strong Contenders
- Inside Out 2
- The Wild Robot
- The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim
- Wallace & Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl
- Moana 2
Possible Contenders
- Flow
- Memoir of a Snail
- The Most Precious of Cargoes
- Orion and the Dark
- Wildwood
Outsiders
- Spellbound
- Kung Fu Panda 4
- Piece by Piece
- Transformers One
- Despicable Me 4
Check out my Movie Reviews and other way-too-early Oscar Predictions via the links below.
Dan Loves Film 
Great predictions for best animated feature. All of these films sound promising to me but “Inside Out 2” stands out the most. I recently had an opportunity to watch the sequel in theaters and absolutely love it. Pixar showcased its strengths at creating movies that appeal to both children and adults alike with a film that was phenomenal. Packed with breathtaking animation, sharp storytelling and a meaningful message, it’s one of the best animated movies I have ever seen. What resonated most with me was the message on mental health. As someone with severe anxiety, I identified with the film deeply. I think it’s too early in the year to predict this category, but my money is on “Inside Out 2” winning. I can’t remember the last time I was so emotionally affected by an animated film. It definitely does seem to be the film that has strongest chances of winning.
Here’s why I’m rooting for “Inside Out 2” to win:
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