During the pre-taped acceptance speech for Best Animated Short at the 94th Academy Awards, the director said that animation for adults is a fact. It is happening. Let's call it cinema.
The Oscars didn't feel the same.
Amy Schumer mentioned in her monologue that she hadn't seen many of the nominees. She noted that she had a toddler and watched Encanto 190 times.
Halle Bailey presented the award for Best Animated Feature Film and said that animated films make up some of the most formative movie experiences for kids.
"So many kids watch these movies over and over again", said fellow presenter Lilly James. Bailey said, "And over and over and over and over and over."
Naomi Scott said that she saw some parents who knew what they were talking about.
What is the common point between these bits? The medium of animation is enjoyed by children.
The filmmakers were upset with the jokes. Phil Lord is one of the producers of The Mitchells vs. The Machines, which is nominated for an Academy Award.
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The idea that animation is only for kids has never been true. Many of the greatest animated films of all time are geared toward mature audiences. Nominees for the Best Animated Feature are not films for children.
The idea that animation is exclusively for kids is tired, and has never been true.
The animated documentary about a refugee leaving Afghanistan was nominated for Best Documentary and Best International Feature Film. To label animated movies as solely being for kids is to discount films like Flee, and these jokes sent a clear signal that it wouldn't win the category. Since the introduction of the Oscar for Best Animated Feature in 2001, there has been no animated film for adults.
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It is false to think that animated films are just for the sake of children. There is something to offer to people of all ages in animated movies. Encanto explores the effects of trauma on multiple generations.
Animation does't deserve to be an afterthought when we think about film.
The Mitchells vs. The Machines is a film that is relevant to audiences of all ages. The animation style is innovative and pushes the boundaries of the medium. This film is an important step forward for representation of the queer community in media. No matter who your target audience is, that is a big deal.
We are seeing how animated films for kids speak to wider audiences. Like Encanto, Turning Red looks at trauma in families. The way for a new kind of coming-of-age film is paved by its discussions of puberty and periods.
This is an important time for the field. The animation guild is currently negotiating for a deal that would ensure animation workers receive pay equal to that of their live-action counterparts.
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When production on live-action movies and shows had to shut down, production on animated films and television shows was able to continue. Considering all the labor that went into them during a challenging time is disrespectful.
Mielgo said in his speech at the Oscars that animation for adults is here, and it is cinema. It is time for the Oscars to act like it.
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