The debate about whether animated movies should get the same recognition as live-action films at major awards like the Oscars will likely come up again by the end of this year. This discussion will focus on Pixar’s new hit, Inside Out 2. Directed for the first time by Kelsey Mann instead of Pete Docter, this sequel follows teenager Riley, voiced by Kensington Tallman. She deals with her usual emotions—Joy, Sadness, Anger, Fear, and Disgust—plus a new one, Anxiety.
The original Inside Out had a massive budget of $175 million and earned $858 million globally. It won an Oscar for Best Animated Feature but didn’t get a Best Picture nomination, which is often the case with animated films. Despite a rule change in 2021 that ensured 10 films could be nominated for Best Picture, animated movies like Inside Out are still mostly overlooked outside their specific category.
Inside Out 2 has made a splash with a $155 million opening in the U.S. and might even outperform Dune: Part Two as the year’s biggest film. This is important because big-budget movies from large studios are expected to dominate in the second half of 2024, mainly due to industry strikes.
While the first Inside Out didn’t get a Best Picture nod, the success of Top Gun: Maverick in 2022 shows that sequels can break through at the Oscars. Inside Out 2 has received a positive response with a 91% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, though it’s not as high as the original’s 98%.
‘Inside Out 2’ Is 2024’s First Animated Feature Oscar Contender. Will the Academy Feel It for Best Picture Too? https://t.co/yqJ7PNGpkg via @variety
— Brad Gentry (@Gentryland) June 17, 2024
There’s a chance for Inside Out 2 in the adapted screenplay category, where sequels are considered. Writers Kelsey Mann, Meg LeFauve, and Dave Holstein will be up against adaptations like The Nickel Boys and The Piano Lesson.
The film could also compete in categories like best visual effects, where it might make the shortlist due to its impressive animation and creativity.
Studios have been pushing to get animated films recognized in categories like the SAG Awards’ best-cast ensemble, which could be a possibility for Inside Out 2 given its strong voice cast.
As the summer goes on, Inside Out 2 not only brings hope to movie theaters and studios but also puts Pixar back in the spotlight for the animated feature category, something not seen since their last win with Soul. Maintaining this positive momentum could be key to its success in the awards season. Source
