Flow Wins Best Animated Feature Film at the 2025 Oscars

Image credits: PATRICK T. FALLON/AFP via Getty Images

The 97th Academy Awards saw a major upset in the best animated feature film category, with the independent film Flow taking home the top prize. Directed by Gints Zilbalodis, Flow is a post-apocalyptic animated feature that follows a cat who navigates a flooded Earth on a boat with other species. The film was produced on a relatively low budget of $3.7 million, compared to other nominees like Inside Out 2 and The Wild Robot, which had budgets of $200 million and $78 million, respectively.

Flow's win is a significant milestone, as it is the first Latvian film to win at the Oscars. The film also made history by becoming the first animated feature to be nominated in both the best animated feature and best international feature categories. Zilbalodis expressed his gratitude and hope that the film's success would open doors for independent animation filmmakers around the world. The film's unique approach to storytelling, which features no dialogue, was also praised by critics, with one review noting that it is a "vividly experiential white-knuckle survival adventure that takes place in a world on the brink of ruin."

The film's journey to the Oscars was not an easy one, as it faced stiff competition from big studio films like Inside Out 2 and The Wild Robot. However, Flow's critical acclaim and unique approach to storytelling helped it stand out, and it ultimately took home the Golden Globe and PGA award before winning the Oscar. The film's success is a testament to the power of independent filmmaking and the importance of taking risks in the creative process. Some of the notable nominees in the best animated feature category included:

• Inside Out 2
• Memoir of a Snail
• Wallace & Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl
• The Wild Robot

The 97th Academy Awards also saw other notable winners, including Anora, which took home five awards, including best picture and best director. The ceremony was hosted by Conan O'Brien and featured a star-studded red carpet with attendees from around the world. Flow's win is a significant moment for the film industry, as it highlights the importance of diversity and representation in filmmaking. The film's use of Blender, a free and open-source software platform, also demonstrates the potential for independent filmmakers to create high-quality films on a limited budget. With its historic win, Flow is sure to inspire a new generation of filmmakers and animation enthusiasts around the world.