Japanese animation studios are mounting their strongest Oscar campaign yet, with five films vying for nominations in the Academy’s Best Animated Feature category for 2024.
The entries include works from established players and newcomers alike. Studio Ponoc, founded by former Studio Ghibli producers, submitted “Roger in the Attic,” while acclaimed director Naoko Yamada brings “The Color of You” to the competition.
Tsuburaya Productions ventures into international waters with “Ultraman: Rising,” a collaboration with Netflix and Industrial Light & Magic. TV Asahi’s Shinei Animation partners with France’s Miyu Productions for “Bakeneko Anzu-chan,” showcasing Japan’s growing cross-border presence.
The 56-minute “Look Back” by director Kiyotaka Oshiyama rounds out Japan’s entries, benefiting from the Academy’s 40-minute minimum runtime requirement for feature films.
Japanese studios represent nearly 20% of this year’s 31 eligible submissions, signaling their rising influence in global animation. The Academy has been actively expanding its international scope, with foreign productions accounting for 60% of all entries.
The nominees will be announced on January 17, 2025, with winners revealed at the March 2 ceremony in Hollywood.
