Episode 25 — Oscar Predictions: Best Animated Feature Film

In  this episode of Movies I Give a Fork About, AJ breaks down the nominees for Best Animated Feature Film at this year’s Academy Awards.

This category features an impressive range of storytelling styles — from visually inventive animation to deeply emotional narratives that explore belonging, identity, and connection.

AJ revisits each nominated film, discussing what makes these animated stories stand out — from bold visual experimentation to the themes and ideas that resonate with audiences of all ages.

Then it comes down to the predictions:

Who will win, who should win, and which film could surprise everyone on Oscar night.

If you’ve been following along with the show’s Oscar coverage, this episode brings together AJ’s final thoughts before the Academy reveals the winner.

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Hosted by AJ Jones, this podcast cuts through hype, marketing, and awards buzz to answer one simple question:

Is this movie actually worth your time?

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Transcript

SPEAKER_00 0:00

Welcome to Movies I Give a Fork About, the podcast where we don't use stars, we use forks. Because not every movie deserves your time, not every movie earns your emotion, but when one truly does, that's when you give a fork. I'm AJ, and today's episode is the Oscar Predictions for Best Animated Feature Film. Okay, there's five nominees this year, and if you've been listening to the podcast, you'll know I've already reviewed all of these films. So I'm gonna give some quick thoughts on each before getting to my prediction. Arco. What works best in Arco is the emotional connection between the two children at the center of the story. At first the girl is afraid of Arco because he is unfamiliar, because he is different. But once they get to know each other, all that fear disappears and their friendship becomes the emotional core of the film. Through Arco's descriptions of his future world, this movie also introduces thoughtful environmental themes, imagining a society that has learned to live more harmoniously with the earth. And beneath the adventure, the story quietly explores empathy, difference, and how understanding can replace fear. Visually, one of the most memorable elements is the way Arco travels, flying through the sky in a rainbow suit that leaves streaks of colors behind him. The overall animation style is more muted than some of the brighter films in this category, but that restraint actually works here. The darker palette of the world reflects the world the characters inhabit, making those flashes of color stand out even more. Arco is a thoughtful and symbolic film, the kind of layered storytelling that Academy voters sometimes appreciate. Next we have Elio. What Elio does well is capture something very real about childhood isolation. Elio isn't quirky just for laughs, he's grieving, displaced, and feels like he doesn't quite belong on Earth. The idea of a kid accidentally sent into space becomes a surprisingly beautiful metaphor for searching for connection. I also appreciate that this film tackles heavier themes like loss, feeling unwanted, and the awkward reality of a guardian who didn't necessarily plan to be one. And the relationship with his aunt feels honest because she's figuring out things too. Where the film struggled for me is that it all felt a little too familiar. The story beats were predictable, the structure felt safe, and the humor follows a very standard studio formula. Visually, it's bright and imaginative, but I never had that really wow moment the way that I did with something like Coco or Inside Out. It's a good film, but for me, it never quite becomes something truly special. Next we have K-pop Demon Hunters. Well, this film completely surprised me, and in the best way possible. The animation is next level. Honestly, the last time I remember being this impressed by animated visuals was Spider-Man into the Spider-Verse. That's the benchmark. That is Elite Company. The visual style is hyper-stylized, kinetic, and incredibly colorful. The concert sequences pulse with energy. The action scenes are choreographed, almost like performances. This isn't safe animation, it is ambitious. And the music is another standout. The songs are genuinely catchy, not the kind of skippable kids' movie music that we sometimes get in animated films. And I wouldn't be surprised if Golden ends up winning best song. Animated films have a long history of winning best song. Remember, let it go. It's a powerful message that lands for younger audiences, but also resonates just as strongly for adults. K-pop Demon Hunters is vibrant, inventive, and surprisingly meaningful. The kind of animated film that reminds you how exciting the medium can be when studios are willing to take risks. And I genuinely think this will be a major contender in the animated feature film category. Next is Little Amelie or The Character of Rain. I'll be honest, when this film started, I was not completely sold. The animation felt pixelated and slightly chunky, and my first reaction was resistance, and it even reminded me of a bit of last year's animated winner, Flow, which was not my favorite. But as the film continued, something shifted. The movie commits fully to telling the story from a toddler's point of view. A risky choice, but one that gives the film a surprising emotional authenticity. It is also a very quiet film. This isn't spectacle-driven animation. It is intimate, it is reflective, focused on small emotional moments rather than big narrative beats. That said, the animation style may divide audiences, and the story is more experiential rather than plot-driven. But if you settle into the film's rhythm and accept the child's perspective, there's something quietly beautiful about what it is doing. And last in the category, Zootopia 2. I walked into Zootopia 2 with a bit of skepticism. The original Zootopia is one of Disney's best modern animated film. It's smart, funny, and surprisingly mature in the way it explored social themes through a world of talking animals. So the big question for me was whether this sequel was actually necessary. The good news is the film understands exactly what made the first movie work. Instead of reinventing the formula, it expands the world we already know. The animation is excellent, the city feels bigger, richer, and more detailed than before. And the humor still balances well between younger audiences and adults. Does it quite capture the magic of the original? Well, that's a really high bar. But it is still a fun return to one of Disney's most imaginative animated worlds. So my prediction when it comes to best animated feature film, here's how I think it's gonna shake out. We'll win K-pop Demon Hunters, should win K-pop Demon Hunters, could win Zootopia 2. And that's today's fork. If you enjoyed this episode, follow the show, share it with someone who actually gives a fork about movies. Until next time, watch boldly, judge honestly, and never be afraid to give a fork.