The 2025 Oscars season is in full swing, and the official list of nominees is already sparking widespread excitement. The ceremony, set to take place on March 2, promises to be a milestone event, celebrating excellence in global cinema. Among the many categories, one of the most anticipated is Best Animated Feature, which consistently surprises audiences with visually stunning productions and deeply emotional narratives.

This year, Brazil stands out in the competition with the film I Am Still Here, which earned three nominations, including Best International Feature, a significant achievement for the national film industry. In the Best Animated Feature category, major hits from 2024 take center stage, such as Inside Out 2 and The Wild Robot, along with other works that have captivated audiences and critics worldwide.

Here are the animated films nominated for the 2025 Oscars, along with their plots, interesting facts, and cultural impact:

“Flow”

A unique masterpiece, Flow represents Latvia in this year’s Oscars and has achieved the rare feat of being nominated for both Best Animated Feature and Best International Feature, alongside productions like Brazil’s I Am Still Here.

Directed by Gints Zilbalodis, the film gained attention for its distinctive visual style, created using Blender, an open-source 3D animation software. The narrative follows Cat, a solitary animal that loses its home after a devastating flood. With nowhere to go, it finds refuge on a boat inhabited by other species. Despite initial differences and conflicts, Cat and the other passengers learn to work together to overcome nature’s challenges.

Flow is a visual spectacle that uses real animal sounds to create an immersive and emotional experience. The animation won the Golden Globe for Best Animated Feature, solidifying its place as a favorite in the Oscar race. Its Brazilian premiere is scheduled for February 20, offering audiences a unique opportunity to appreciate this work that blends art, technology, and a powerful message of resilience.

“Inside Out 2”

The highly anticipated sequel to Pixar’s 2015 classic, Inside Out 2, takes the narrative about human emotions to new heights. In the first film, we met Riley, a young girl whose behavior is guided by the emotions Joy, Sadness, Anger, Fear, and Disgust, who live in the control room of her mind. In the sequel, Riley is now a teenager facing even more complex emotional changes, including the arrival of new emotions: Anxiety, Envy, Boredom, and Shame.

The animation balances humor, drama, and deep reflections on growth and the emotional challenges of adolescence. Released in June 2024, the film was a box-office phenomenon, becoming the eighth highest-grossing film in cinema history and breaking records as Pixar’s highest-grossing movie and the most-watched film of all time in Brazil.

The production is a brilliant example of how Pixar continues to craft universal stories that resonate with both children and adults. Available on Disney+, Inside Out 2 is already considered a frontrunner in the Oscar race.

“Memoir of a Snail”

A true gem of stop-motion cinema, Memoir of a Snail combines meticulous aesthetics with a deeply touching narrative. The story follows Grace Pudel, a young snail collector who, after facing a series of misfortunes, embarks on a journey to rediscover her self-confidence and find order amidst the chaos of everyday life.

The animation has been praised for its sensitive approach and handcrafted visual style. Winner of the top prize at the Annecy International Animation Film Festival, Memoir of a Snail is a reflection on overcoming obstacles, inner strength, and the importance of finding beauty in simplicity.

“Wallace & Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl”

The world’s most beloved British animated duo is back! Wallace, the eccentric inventor, and his loyal dog Gromit embark on a new adventure in Vengeance Most Fowl. This time, Wallace creates a smart garden gnome that comes to life and promises to revolutionize gardening. However, things spiral out of control when a mysterious figure from the past reappears, bringing dangerous secrets that threaten both Wallace’s inventions and his safety.

Produced by Netflix, the film celebrates stop-motion animation and retains the characteristic humor that has charmed generations. With an intriguing storyline and impeccable production, Vengeance Most Fowl reaffirms Wallace and Gromit’s place among the great icons of global animation.

“The Wild Robot”

Inspired by Peter Brown’s best-selling novel of the same name, The Wild Robot is an exhilarating adventure that blends action, empathy, and environmental reflection. The story follows ROZZUM 7134, or simply Roz, a robot that shipwrecks on an uninhabited island. Alone in a hostile environment, she must adapt to survive, forming unlikely bonds with the local animals while exploring her own identity and purpose.

Directed by Chris Sanders, known for hits like Lilo & Stitch and How to Train Your Dragon, the film is a celebration of adaptability and coexistence. With stunning visuals and a powerful message about harmony between technology and nature, The Wild Robot has enchanted audiences worldwide.

Conclusion

The 2025 Oscar nominees for Best Animated Feature represent the pinnacle of creativity, combining heartwarming narratives with visually stunning artistry. From coming-of-age stories and self-discovery journeys to epic adventures exploring the relationship between humans, animals, and machines, this year’s competition promises to be one of the most exciting and hotly contested in recent years.

Who will take home the golden statue? The answer will come on March 2, but one thing is certain: animated cinema continues to prove that it knows no bounds.

The 2025 Best Animated Feature race highlights the global impact of animation, far beyond being mere children’s entertainment. With stories addressing emotional growth, personal challenges, coexistence among different species, and reflections on humanity’s relationship with technology, this year’s nominees showcase the strength of animated films in uniting audiences of all ages.

Whether it’s the technological innovation of Flow, the triumphant return of Inside Out 2, the handcrafted charm of Memoir of a Snail, the classic humor of Wallace & Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl, or the thrilling adventure of The Wild Robot, each film uniquely contributes to the magic of this category.

Regardless of which title wins the award, it’s clear that these productions have already left a mark on the collective imagination and set new standards of excellence in the genre. More than ever, animated films reinforce their role as an art form that combines visual beauty, complex storytelling, and universal messages. Now, audiences can eagerly await the conclusion of this thrilling competition while celebrating the talent and creativity behind each masterpiece.