Discover the favorite films for the Best Animated Feature statuette at the 98th Oscar ceremony
The race for the 2026 Oscar for Best Animated Feature is officially defined and promises to be one of the most competitive in recent years. With a balanced mix between big box office hits and independent works, the list of nominees reflects the technical and narrative diversity of the medium.
Below, we present the definitive guide to the five main films competing for the golden statuette, with synopses, cast and where to watch.
“Guerreiras do K-Pop” (“K-Pop Demon Hunters”)
Considered the big favorite of the season, this Sony Pictures Animation production for Netflix combines the vibrant aesthetics of Korean music videos with an electrifying urban fantasy.
Synopsis
The plot follows the girl group of worldwide success “HUNTR/X”, formed by Rumi, Mira and Zoey. While dominating the music charts, they maintain a secret double life as demon hunters. The balance between fame and duty is threatened when a new boy band rivalthe “Saja Boys”, whose members are actually demons in disguise planning to break the barrier between the human and spiritual worlds.
Cast and production
- Original voices: Arden Cho (Rumi), Ahn Hyo-seop (Jinu), Kim Yun-jin, Daniel Dae Kim and Ken Jeong.
- Direction: Maggie Kang and Chris Appelhans.
- Studio: Sony Pictures Animation / Netflix.
Where to watch
Available exclusively at Netflix.
“Zootopia 2”
The long-awaited sequel to Disney’s hit returns to the anthropomorphic animal world, expanding the mythology presented in the first film with a more complex investigative plot.
Synopsis
Detectives Judy Hopps and Nick Wilde are back on duty on the Zootopia police force. This time, the duo must infiltrate a new community to investigate the arrival of a mysterious reptile named Gary, whose presence triggers a conspiracy that threatens harmony between predators and prey. The mission takes them to explore new districts of the city and test their mutual trust as partners.
Cast and production
- Original voices: Ginnifer Goodwin (Judy), Jason Bateman (Nick), Ke Huy Quan (Gary) e Fortune Feimster.
- Direction: Jared Bush e Byron Howard.
- Studio: Walt Disney Animation Studios.
Where to watch
On display in cinemas (expected to arrive on Disney+ in the first half of 2026).
“Arco”
The surprise indie of the season is this French sci-fi co-production, distributed by Neon, which enchanted critics with its psychedelic look and eco-friendly message.
Synopsis
Arco is a 10-year-old boy who lives in a utopian and distant future, in the year 2932. While using a rainbow costume to travel through time, he accidentally falls into the year 2075, a dystopian era where the Earth has been devastated by climate crises. There, he is taken in by Iris, a lonely girl raised by robots. Together, they try to repair Arco’s temporal device to get him home, while rediscovering hope in a broken world.
Cast and production
- Voices: (English/French version): Natalie Portman (also producer), Swann Arlaud and Louis Garrel.
- Direction: Ugo Welcome.
- Studio: Remembers / MountainA / Neon.
Where to watch
Available for rent and purchase on digital platforms (Apple TV, Prime Video).
“Elio”
Pixar’s bet for the year brings an imaginative space adventure that explores themes of belonging and identity through the eyes of a child.
Synopsis
Elio Solis is an 11-year-old boy with a vivid imagination and difficulty fitting in. His life changes drastically when he is accidentally teleported to the “Comuniverse”, an interplanetary organization made up of representatives from distant galaxies. Mistaken for Earth’s leader and ambassador, Elio must uphold the lie, form bonds with eccentric aliens, and prove the planet is worth saving, all while discovering who he really is.
Cast and production
- Original voices: Yonas Kibreab (Elio), Zoe Saldaña (Tia Olga), Jameela Jamil and Brad Garrett.
- Direction: Domee Shi, Madeline Sharafian and Adrian Molina.
- Studio: Pixar Animation Studios.
Where to watch
Available on Disney+.
“A Pequena Amélie” (“Little Amélie or the Character of Rain”)
Based on the acclaimed novel “Metaphysics of Tubes by Amélie Nothomb”, this French animation from GKIDS is the most poetic and philosophical entry on the list.
Synopsis
The story narrates the first years of life of Amélie, a Belgian child born in Japan who, until the age of two, lives in a self-imposed vegetative state, believing she is a passive deity (“a tube”). Everything changes when his grandmother offers him a piece of Belgian white chocolate. The flavor awakens his awareness of the world, beginning a journey of discovery, mischief and a deep friendship with his Japanese nanny, Nishio-san, exploring the culture shock and beauty of childhood.
Cast and production
- Direction: Liane-Cho Han and Maïlys Vallade.
- Studio: Ikki Films / Maybe Movies / GKIDS.
Where to watch
In limited showing in select cinemas and art house circuits; with no immediate forecast for streaming in Brazil.
Curiosities about the award
- Streaming Domain: With “K-Pop Warriors”, Netflix seeks to consolidate its strength in the category, challenging Disney/Pixar’s traditional hegemony.
- Representativeness: Three of the five nominees (“K-Pop Warriors”, “Little Amélie” and “Arco”) are international productions or co-productions with a strong non-American cultural identity, marking a globalized year for the Academy.
- Returns: “Zootopia 2” tries to repeat the feat of its predecessor, which won the category in 2017.
The 98th Oscar ceremony, where the winner will be revealed, takes place in March 2026. Regardless of who wins the statuette, this year’s crop has already secured its place in history for its technical quality and narrative boldness.
