Three (3) anime films are included in the list eligible for Oscar’s 95th annual Academy Awards under the category of Animated Feature Film! This is very exciting, as these films have the possibility to be nominated. Fingers crossed that it will happen!
The members of the Short Films and Feature Animation branch will be voting, so that five (5) among the 27 films will be chosen as nominees. Members outside of this branch may also vote, but they should have watched all of the 27 films in order to be eligible.
The announcement of the official nominees will be on January 24, 2023. The ceremony of the 95th Academy Awards will occur on March 12, 2023. Let us hope that these 3 anime films will be getting that chance!
This piece of news is announced by The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Science. It has listed a total of 27 animated films in consideration of a nomination. These 3 anime films are:
1. Drifting Home
Produced by: Studio Colorido
Director: Hiroyasu Ishida
Synopsis: Kousuke and Natsume are childhood friends who grew up together. When they reached sixth grade, however, their relationship is strained. This was due to the personal loss they have to endure.
The building where they grew up in is set to be demolished. Natsume still clings to the place, hence she visits it often. One day, she encountered Kousuke there, and they ended up in a heated argument. During this, they were shocked to have been caught up in a strange phenomenon: rain poured down, and they were transported into the middle of the nowhere.
The building they were in is now in the middle of the endless ocean. Will they figure out how to get out from there?

2. Goodbye, Don Glees!
Produced by: Madhouse
Director: Atsuko Ishizuka
Synopsis: Roma, Toto, and Drop are teen misfits who call themselves, “Don Glees”. They were blamed for the nearby forest fire, so they embarked on a journey into the forest to prove their innocence. They encounter a lot of obstacles along the way, which led to tensions between the three friends. They eventually realized that growing up will take them different paths from each other.

3. Inu-Oh
Produced by: Science SARU
Director: Masaaki Yuasa
Synopsis: Inu-Oh is born with physical characteristics that are different from others. With this, he is covered from head to toe with garments, as well as a mask for his face. He befriends a blind biwa player, Tomona when the latter played a song about fate. Inu-Oh discovered his talent of dancing.
Both Inu-Oh and Tomona strived to live in the margins of society by doing what they know best: Tomona playing songs and Inu-Oh dancing to them. This led to them gaining popularity. Inu-Oh was able to capture the audience’s immense admiration, with the help of Tomona’s songs. Despite everyone acknowledging them, the duo still wondered about themselves. They questioned Tomona’s blindness and Inu-Oh’s physical uniqueness.

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