Summary
The 2025 Academy Award winners have been revealed. However, many fans expressed disappointment whenThe Wild Robotlost toFlowin the Best Animated Feature category.
While the Oscars have been a celebrated event sprinkled with controversy, this time, many felt that one particular film was robbed. Many viewers were expectingThe Wild Robotto take home the Best Animated Feature award, but to their surprise and disappointment,Flow—a wordless animated film directed by Latvian filmmaker Gints Zilbalodis—beat it. Several took to social media to share their thoughts about the issue.
The Wild Robot, helmed by Chris Sanders, whose directorial credits includeHow to Train Your Dragon,Lilo & StitchandThe Croods, has received widespread critical acclaim.The Guardiandescribed it as a “heartfelt animated adventure.” It also scored multiple victories at the 52nd Annie Awards after dominating nine categories, including Best Feature, Best Direction, and Best Voice Acting for Lupita Nyong’o’s portrayal of Roz. Additionally,The Wild Robotwas considered the frontrunner for this year’s Best Animated Feature award. So, many were disappointed after watching the award ceremony, and the accolade was given toFlow. “Wild [R]obot was robbed,” one online user shared on X, with a crying emoji. “[I] have never sobbed at a film that much in my life #Oscars2025.”
It turned out many shared the same sentiment. Others who saw both movies preferredThe Wild RobotoverFlowbecause of how moving it is. “The Wild Robotdeserves that award more. Yes,FLOWis a great movie, but [The Wild] [R]obot was waaaay heartwarming and phenomenal. Giving it toFlowis like paying homage to your cats and dogs at home,” another X user added. While some have accepted the turn of events, a few want to fight forThe Wild Robot. “[J]ustice for[T]he [W]ild [R]obot,” another fan wrote.
It’s understandable why many felt thatThe Wild Robotwas robbed. The movie presented a strong emotional core, had some genuine character development, and had a great storyline. Undoubtedly,The Wild Robotis a great movie; its previous award victories only cemented its reputation. Thus,FlowbeatingThe Wild Robotwas a surprise but not totally unexpected, because some also saw potential forFlowto pull off a surprise win. Prior to the event,Deciderpublished “‘The Wild Robot’ Seemed Like a Surefire Oscar Winner. Then ‘Flow’ Rushed In.” The article suggested thatFlowandThe Wild Robotwere in a close competition for the Oscar.
The Academy may have decided, and their verdict is certainly final, but one can’t take away the public’s opinion on the matter. Yes,Flowis beautiful and artistic, butThe Wild Robotwas deserving of the award, too. Sometimes you get a year with two standout films that are both worthy of winning. After all, it’s best to respect each other’s opinion and move on. Besides,The Wild Robotis getting a sequel, so fans have plenty to look forward to!
