The journey of anime in the Oscars has always been a topic of debate among fans. While Spirited Away shattered barriers in 2002 by winning the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature, the recognition of anime films at the prestigious event has been sparse ever since.
With few exceptions like Mamoru Hosoda’s Mirai in 2018, Studio Ghibli remains the dominant force representing anime on this global stage.
LOOK BACK or any other Anime Film has not been nominated for this Year's Oscar for Best Animated Feature.
— Anime News And Facts (@AniNewsAndFacts) January 23, 2025
The Nominated Films are:
'Flow'
'Inside Out 2'
'The Wild Robot'
'Memoir of a Snail'
'Wallace & Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl' pic.twitter.com/uPSbuqMEvm
Kiyotaka Oshiyama’s Look Back, based on the manga by Chainsaw Man creator Tatsuki Fujimoto, recently sparked a similar conversation.
Despite its critical acclaim and massive fan support, the film failed to receive an Oscar nomination. Fans were left disappointed as the Academy once again appeared to overlook anime’s creative brilliance.
‘Look Back’ Could Have Been nominated
The exclusion of Look Back is especially striking given its reception. On Letterboxd, the film ranks as the highest-rated animated feature, surpassing other nominees like The Wild Robot, Memoir of a Snail, and Flow.
Additionally, the movie boasts a perfect 100% score from critics on Rotten Tomatoes, with an impressive 99% on the Popcornmeter. Such accolades highlight the growing appreciation for the film within the global audience, but the Academy chose otherwise.
Meanwhile, The Boy and the Heron, directed by the legendary Hayao Miyazaki, claimed the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature Film at the 2024 Oscars. This marks the second Oscar win for both Miyazaki and Studio Ghibli, reaffirming their unparalleled legacy in anime filmmaking.
While Miyazaki’s win is well-deserved, the snubbing of Look Back has reignited criticism of the Oscars’ approach to anime. Many argue that the Academy needs to broaden its perspective and recognize the diversity and depth within the medium beyond Studio Ghibli.
As anime continues to break global barriers and captivate audiences, fans hope for a future where films like Look Back receive the recognition they deserve.
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