Oscars (AMPAS)

98th Oscars Winners Spotlight

The Academy Museum of Motion Pictures staged an Oscar nominee spotlight focusing on the Best Animated Feature category ahead of the 98th Academy Awards. Hosted by public‑engagement manager Alani Cook and featuring Academy officials such as Michael Benedict, the event showcased the nomination process, thanked sponsors, and introduced animation‑branch governors Marlon West and Jeno Gooto. The panel highlighted a record‑breaking slate of 35 submissions from 12 countries, underscoring animation’s expanding global footprint. Benedict explained that eligibility hinges on theatrical release or official country selection, and that all Academy members must watch each of the five nominated films before casting a vote. Governors stressed the Academy’s commitment to diversity, noting the growing presence of Asian creators and culturally specific storytelling. Filmmakers from the Netflix‑distributed Korean‑themed hit shared personal motivations: a seven‑year development cycle, a desire to showcase authentic Korean culture, and the pressure of representing an entire nation. They described the creative process—balancing K‑pop aesthetics, humor, and drama—and celebrated the film’s unprecedented streaming success, calling it a “record‑breaking” achievement that resonated worldwide. The discussion signals a shift toward more inclusive, internationally sourced animation at the Oscars, offering studios a blueprint for culturally resonant content that can dominate both awards circuits and streaming platforms. For industry stakeholders, the event underscores the commercial and critical payoff of investing in diverse narratives and long‑term development pipelines.