A low-budget, Latvian animated feature film has made history by winning the top prize at the 97th Academy Awards. “Flow,” directed by Gints Zilbalodis, beat out bigger-budget films from Disney and DreamWorks to take home the award for best animated feature film. The movie tells the story of a cat who navigates a post-apocalyptic world with other species on a boat, highlighting the importance of unity and cooperation.
The film’s success is a significant milestone for independent animation, which has been gaining recognition in recent years. “Flow” cost just $3.7 million to produce, compared to DreamWorks’ “The Wild Robot,” which cost $78 million, and Disney’s “Inside Out 2,” which cost $200 million.
Zilbalodis expressed his gratitude for the award, saying it will open doors to independent animation around the world. The director also highlighted the universal themes of his film, stating that they are relevant to everyone, regardless of their differences.
The win marks a historic moment for Latvian cinema, as “Flow” is the country’s first Oscar-winning film. The movie has been praised by critics for its captivating storytelling and vividly experiential animation, which takes viewers on a thrilling white-knuckle survival adventure through a world on the brink of ruin.
The 97th Academy Awards ceremony also saw host Conan O’Brien make a joke about Estonia following the win, referencing the country’s neighboring Latvia. The Oscars red carpet event featured several A-list celebrities, including Kieran Culkin and Cynthia Erivo, who took home awards for their performances in “Imitation” and “Wicked,” respectively.
Source: https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/flow-movie-oscar-best-animated-feature-1236152157