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To say that anime and the Academy Awards have a rocky relationship would be an understatement. Every few years, some anime film reshapes popular culture, andLook Backis the latest buzzworthy hit, thrilling fans ahead of Oscars 2025.
It’s always been maddening how underrepresented anime is during the Academy Awards, but 2025 might just top that. The highly publicized chatter forLook Backwas stunned to find out the anime that ruled supreme above others in 2024 was shunned from the Oscars’ Animated Feature category.
Flashy titles that came out in 2024 kept many anime fans’ hopes high for the 97th Academy Awards. Yet, it seems next year might follow the usual pattern, with Disney claiming victory. Still, the snubbing ofLook Backfrom the Oscars 2025 has enraged fans, and they have been speaking their minds online.
Outrage sparks asLook BackMisses 2025 Oscars Nomination
The Academy Awards have had a long, problematic history with anime, as it usually tends to overlook the medium despite its acclaimed work around the world.
Only two titles,Spirited Awayin 2003 andThe Boy and the Heronin 2024, have been able to win this prestigious award, showing the strained relationship between anime and the Academy Awards.
WhenLook Backfinally became eligible for the Animated Feature category, the anime community went into a frenzy. Among 2024’s standouts, none seemedmore deserving of a nomination.
So, when the official list dropped andLook Backwas nowhere to be seen, fans were rightly outraged and vocal about their disappointment.
These nominees are an animated bunch. Presenting the Animated Feature film nominees…#Oscarspic.twitter.com/s0gGHZT2cO
If there’s any major reason why anime gets snubbed at the Academy Awards, it’s Disney. Disney and Pixar have continued to dominate the Best Animated Feature category for over 20 years.
Tatsuki Fujimoto Didn’t Waste the Golden Opportunity Hidden in the Symbolism of ‘Look Back’s Most Famous Scene
The five nominees for Best Animated Film at the Oscars areInside Out 2,Flow,The Wild Robot,Memoir of a Snail, andWallace & Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl.
Look Back on the other hand was absolutely snubbed.
NO LOOK BACK? Rigged.
Look Backwas undoubtedly one of 2024’s biggest anime sensations, and its exclusion from the Oscars nominations is a major shock to fans. Many are voicing their frustration, accusing the Oscars of favoring Disney and Pixar.
LOOK BACK ROBBED
Disney movie on the list:Oscars: And the Oscar goes to 💰💰
Given the Academy’s history with Disney and Pixar’s dominance, it’s easy to see why some might jump to conclusions, especially when anger is fueling the conversation.
no Look Back is diabolical workpic.twitter.com/Nw1FFxWNDi
Look Backdelivers a deeply emotional story about self-worth and building connections, with stunning animation and direction by Kiyotaka Oshiyamathat elevates the source material.
The film’s exceptional writing and visuals make it one of the standout animated films of 2024, and its exclusion from the Oscars nominations stands as one of the biggest travesties in the Academy Awards history.
Look Backis a triumph of animation
Look Backis less than an hour long, much shorter than most movies currently playing in cinemas. However, 58 minutes is ample time for the film to poignantly depict the trials and tribulations of becoming a manga artist.
It follows the story of fourth grader Ayumu Fujino, voiced by Yuumi Kawai. Fujino is showcased as anoverconfident manga artist, who draws for the school paper, earning high praise from her peers for her work.
Animation Alone Isn’t What Made Tatsuki Fujimoto’s ‘Look Back’ the Best Anime Film of 2024
Yet, Fujino’s confidence drops when shut-in student Kyomoto, voiced by Mizuki Yoshida, surpasses her with superior artistic talent.
Jealousy drives Fujino to obsess over becoming a better artist before eventually giving up. The story primarily revolves around two aspiring young artists with clashing personalities and howtheir friendship develops throughtheir passion for drawing manga.
Look Backis available to stream on Amazon Prime Video.
Mehul Rolta
Articles Published :510
Mehul Rolta is a seasoned journalist with over 3 years in esports and soccer journalism. Transitioning to anime writing at Fandom Wire, Mehul shares his lifelong passion for anime about integrates professionalism. Dedicated to connecting the world of anime globally, Mehul shares thoughts and insights, communicating personal passion with professional insight.
