Oscars 2016: Best Animated Film Nominees Ranked

The 88th Academy Awards celebrated the best in film for 2015, and the Best Animated Feature category was, as always, a highlight. This year's nominees showcased a diverse range of styles, stories, and cultural influences, making it a particularly competitive race. From the heartwarming tales to visually stunning adventures, let's dive into ranking the nominees for the Best Animated Feature at the 2016 Oscars.

A Look Back at the Nominees

The year 2016 brought us a fantastic lineup of animated films, each with its unique charm and appeal. These films captivated audiences worldwide with their creativity, innovation, and emotional depth. Before we rank them, let's briefly introduce each nominee:

• Anomalisa: A stop-motion film known for its profound exploration of loneliness and the search for human connection.
• Boy & the World: A visually stunning and vibrant film from Brazil that tackles social and environmental issues.
• Inside Out: A Pixar masterpiece that takes us on an emotional journey inside the mind of a young girl.
• Shaun the Sheep Movie: A delightful and hilarious stop-motion adventure featuring the beloved characters from Aardman Animations.
• When Marnie Was There: A touching and beautifully animated film from Studio Ghibli, exploring themes of friendship and identity.

Each of these films brought something special to the table, making the selection process for the Academy members incredibly challenging. Now, let's get into the ranking and see how these animated gems stack up against each other.

Ranking the Nominees

Ranking these films is no easy task, as each one has its own merits and appeals to different audiences. However, considering factors such as originality, emotional impact, visual artistry, and overall storytelling, here’s my take on how these nominees measure up:

5. Shaun the Sheep Movie

Shaun the Sheep Movie is undeniably a delightful and entertaining film, especially for younger audiences and fans of Aardman Animations. The film continues the tradition of silent comedy, relying on visual gags and slapstick humor to tell its story. While it's incredibly charming and well-executed, it doesn't quite reach the emotional or thematic depth of the other nominees. The story follows Shaun and his flock as they venture into the big city to rescue their farmer, who has lost his memory. The animation is superb, showcasing Aardman's signature stop-motion style with meticulous detail and expressive character designs. However, compared to the other nominees that tackle deeper, more complex themes, Shaun the Sheep Movie remains a lighthearted and straightforward adventure. Its simplicity is part of its charm, but it also limits its impact in a category that often rewards films with more profound messages. Ultimately, Shaun the Sheep Movie is a fun and engaging watch, but it lands at the bottom of this list due to its lack of thematic complexity compared to the other nominees. The movie's strength lies in its ability to entertain through visual storytelling, making it a classic example of Aardman's comedic genius. But in a year with such strong contenders, its lighthearted nature couldn't quite elevate it to the top.

4. Anomalisa

Anomalisa is a unique and thought-provoking film that stands out for its mature themes and distinctive stop-motion animation. Directed by Charlie Kaufman, the film delves into the themes of loneliness, alienation, and the search for meaningful connections. While it's a powerful and deeply personal film, its heavy subject matter and unconventional style may not appeal to all viewers. The story revolves around Michael Stone, a customer service expert who perceives everyone around him as the same until he meets Lisa, an 'anomaly' who breaks through his monotonous existence. The film's use of stop-motion animation, with its visible seams and imperfections, adds to the sense of unease and realism. However, the very elements that make Anomalisa unique also contribute to its lower ranking. Its bleak and often depressing tone can be a challenging watch, and its exploration of existential themes is not always accessible. While the film is undoubtedly a masterpiece of animation and storytelling, its niche appeal and heavy subject matter place it lower on this list compared to the more universally appealing and emotionally resonant nominees. Anomalisa remains a bold and important film, pushing the boundaries of what animation can achieve in terms of thematic depth and artistic expression.

3. When Marnie Was There

When Marnie Was There is a beautifully animated and emotionally resonant film from Studio Ghibli, known for their exceptional storytelling and breathtaking visuals. The film explores themes of friendship, identity, and belonging, telling the story of Anna, a young girl who finds solace in a mysterious seaside mansion and forms a deep connection with a girl named Marnie. The animation is stunning, capturing the serene beauty of the Japanese countryside and the ethereal quality of Marnie's world. While it's a touching and well-crafted film, it doesn't quite reach the groundbreaking heights of some of Ghibli's other works or the innovative storytelling of the top two nominees. When Marnie Was There excels in its delicate portrayal of emotions and its exploration of complex psychological themes. The relationship between Anna and Marnie is beautifully developed, and the film's resolution is both heartwarming and bittersweet. However, compared to the other nominees, it feels somewhat more traditional in its narrative approach, lacking the innovative flair that sets Inside Out and Boy & the World apart. Despite this, When Marnie Was There remains a standout film in the animation world, showcasing Ghibli's mastery of visual storytelling and their ability to create deeply emotional and memorable characters. It secures a solid third place due to its exquisite animation and poignant narrative, making it a worthy contender in this competitive category.

2. Boy & the World

Boy & the World is a visually stunning and socially conscious film from Brazil that stands out for its unique animation style and powerful message. The film tells the story of a young boy who leaves his rural village to search for his father in the big city, encountering a world of industrialization, inequality, and environmental destruction. The animation is incredibly creative, using a mix of hand-drawn techniques, collage, and vibrant colors to create a visually rich and immersive experience. The film's lack of dialogue adds to its universal appeal, allowing the visuals and music to convey its message with profound impact. While it's a visually groundbreaking and thought-provoking film, it may not resonate with all audiences due to its abstract storytelling and focus on social issues. Boy & the World is a bold and innovative work of art, pushing the boundaries of animation and challenging viewers to think critically about the world around them. Its vibrant visuals and powerful message make it a truly unforgettable cinematic experience. However, compared to the emotional depth and universal appeal of Inside Out, it falls just short of the top spot. The film's abstract narrative and focus on social commentary, while important and relevant, may not connect with all viewers on the same emotional level. Nevertheless, Boy & the World is a remarkable achievement in animation, earning its place as the runner-up in this prestigious category. Its artistic innovation and social relevance make it a film that deserves to be seen and discussed.

1. Inside Out

Inside Out is a Pixar masterpiece that takes viewers on an emotional journey inside the mind of a young girl, Riley, as she navigates the challenges of growing up. The film is praised for its originality, emotional depth, and clever portrayal of complex psychological concepts. With its vibrant animation, relatable characters, and heartwarming story, Inside Out is a film that resonates with audiences of all ages. The film's innovative concept of personifying emotions as characters – Joy, Sadness, Anger, Fear, and Disgust – is brilliantly executed, making complex psychological concepts accessible and engaging. Inside Out is not only entertaining but also educational, helping viewers understand the importance of emotions and the complexities of the human mind. The film's emotional impact is undeniable, as it explores themes of loss, change, and the importance of embracing all emotions, even the negative ones. Its universal themes and relatable characters make it a film that connects with audiences on a deep and personal level. The animation is top-notch, as expected from Pixar, with each emotion character having its unique design and personality. The world inside Riley's mind is visually stunning, with imaginative landscapes and creative representations of thoughts and memories. In summary, Inside Out stands out as the best animated film of 2016 due to its originality, emotional depth, and universal appeal. It is a film that entertains, educates, and touches the hearts of viewers, making it a deserving winner of the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature. Inside Out is a must-watch for anyone who appreciates great storytelling and animation.

Final Thoughts

The 2016 Oscars Best Animated Feature nominees were a testament to the creativity, innovation, and artistry of the animation industry. While each film brought something unique to the table, Inside Out ultimately stood out for its originality, emotional depth, and universal appeal. Whether you agree with this ranking or have your own preferences, there's no denying that these films represent some of the best animation has to offer. So, grab some popcorn, gather your friends and family, and enjoy these animated gems!