I don’t think anyone could predict what 2020 would bring us, not even in the movies.

Due to COVID, many people have been impacted throughout the world, and the animated film industry is no exception.

From cancellations, setbacks, and job loss there have been many obstacles for people who enjoy going to the movies.

In despite of film productions being halted and cinemas closing, streaming services like Netflix have thrived.

Netflix, Amazon and Apple TV have been a blessing for many movie fans and have been a godsend for those that have been home since the pandemic.

With award season, like the Oscars quickly approaching, it is no surprise that Netflix has dominated the nominations for this award season.

The 93rd Academy Awards nominees were announced March 15, 2021. The Oscars are scheduled to take place two months later than originally planned on April 25, 2021 due to major setbacks of the pandemic.

The films that qualify have been released between January 1, 2020 and February 28, 2021.

The Academy Awards may be very different this year from the typical showings we have seen from the past, but as they say in Hollywood, the show must go on.

Best Animated Featured Film Nominees

Onward (Pixar)

if you enjoy fantasy and dungeons and dragons, this movie is for you! This heartwarming Pixar film follows two brothers set on a quest to find an artifact that will bring their dead father back “entirely.”

In a world filled with mythic creatures and magic, this Pixar movie will tug at your heartstrings.

Even though this movie didn’t receive the box office support it deserved, it has gained positive reviews from critics and was available digitally several weeks after its theatrical release.

I don’t expect Onward to win the best-animated feature category but I do recommend that if you are a Pixar fan, to put this movie on your list to watch.

Over The Moon (Netflix)

‘Be ultra ultra luminary, cause this film is so, Extraordinaria!

This American-Chinese computer animated musical family fantasy film is filed with a colorful animation palette and diversity!

This is the first international film to be directed by the famous, Glen Keane. It has received critical acclaim and earned a Golden Globe nomination for the best-animated feature film.

The musical numbers are catchy and the story is heartwarming. Fueled by memories of her mother, Fei Fei builds a rocket to the moon on a mission to prove the existence of a legendary moon goddess.

Even though this movie is a strong contender for this category, I don’t expect it to win the award.

A Shaun the Sheep Movie: Farmageddon (Netflix)

This movie is bah-eautiful!

If you enjoy movie references, puns and stop motion, sit down and watch this film!

It currently ranks as the 16th highest-grossing stop-motion animated film of all time.

Shaun the Sheep goes on a mission to shepherd the intergalactic visitor that has crashed near Mossy Bottom Farm, before a sinister organization can capture them.

This charming film has received favorable reviews and was sold to Netflix and released digitally on February 20, 2020.

No sheep were harmed in the making of this film.

Soul (Pixar)

Ah, yes, a Pixar movie that speaks straight to the soul.

Soul is a computer-animated fantasy film produced by Pixar Animation Studios. if you enjoyed the movie Inside Out, then you may enjoy this film.

Middle school music teacher, Joe Gardner seeks to reunite his soul and his body after they are accidentally separated. Soul is the first Pixar film to have an African-American protagonist.

Soul has received critical acclaim from the plot to the music. Due to COVID it was released on Disney+.

I can’t guarantee this movie will make you cry, but I certainly can see this film winning this category.

Wolfwalkers (Apple TV Plus / Kids)

Last but not least, Wolfwalkers!

I interviewed Tomm Moore regarding this film and have heard many people praise this animation.

This is the third and final installment of Tomm Moore and Ross Stewarts, “Irish Folklore Trilogy.”

It was released on Apple TV and follows the story of a young girl who arrives in Ireland with her father. This young hunter, meets a free-spirited girl who happens to come from a mysterious tribe to have the ability to turn into wolves.

Can they set a side their differences and become friends?

I highly recommend this colorful and enchanting film, and really hope this film gets the recognition it deserves.

Time to movie over Disney, and let a new contender shine.