Disney’s ‘Zootopia 2’ and ‘Elio’ Go Head to Head with ‘K-Pop Demon Hunters’ for Best Animated Feature Oscar

The 2026 Oscar nominations for Best Animated Feature spotlight a mix of studio giants and indie darlings, where Disney’s crowd-pleasing sequels face off against Netflix’s genre-bending hit in a race that’s already buzzing with predictions.

Here’s the TL;DR…

• The nominees are Arco, Elio, K-Pop Demon Hunters, Little Amélie or The Character of Rain, and Zootopia 2.

• Frontrunners include Netflix’s K-Pop Demon Hunters, fresh off a Critics’ Choice win, with Disney’s Zootopia 2 as a close second.

• All films released in 2025, qualifying them for the 98th Academy Awards set for March 15, 2026.

• Key themes range from time travel and alien adventures to demon-hunting pop stars and childhood awakenings.

• Expect a tight contest, with voters split between innovative storytelling and box-office muscle.

What are the nominees for Best Animated Feature at the 2026 Oscars?

Academy voters selected five standout animated films for the category this year. The list includes French sci-fi tale Arco, Pixar’s space odyssey Elio, Netflix’s musical action-comedy K-Pop Demon Hunters, the introspective Little Amélie or The Character of Rain, and Disney’s buddy-cop sequel Zootopia 2. These picks reflect a diverse slate, blending big-budget spectacles with more intimate, auteur-driven projects.

Nominations dropped on January 22, 2026, sparking immediate online chatter about potential winners. Animation fans on platforms like X are debating the merits, with some rooting for underdogs while others bet on Disney’s track record.

How does Zootopia 2 build on the original film’s success?

Disney’s Zootopia 2 picks up where the 2016 hit left off, reuniting rabbit cop Judy Hopps and fox hustler-turned-partner Nick Wilde for a high-stakes chase. The story follows the duo as they pursue a slippery reptile named Gary De’Snake across the animal metropolis, all while clearing their names after a frame job.

Released on November 26, 2025, the film earned strong reviews for its witty script and expanded world-building, grossing over $1 billion worldwide. Voices include Ginnifer Goodwin as Judy, Jason Bateman as Nick, and new additions like Ke Huy Quan as the villainous snake. Directors Byron Howard and Jared Bush kept the social commentary sharp, tackling themes of partnership and prejudice with humor that lands for all ages.

What makes Pixar’s Elio a cosmic contender?

Pixar shifted gears with Elio, a story about an 11-year-old boy mistaken for Earth’s ambassador after aliens beam him to the Communiverse. Orphaned and raised by his aunt, Elio navigates intergalactic politics and a brewing crisis while forming bonds with quirky extraterrestrials.

The film hit theaters on June 20, 2025, praised for its heartfelt exploration of identity and belonging. Yonas Kibreab voices the title character, with Zoe Saldaña as his aunt Olga, under the direction of Madeline Sharafian, Domee Shi, and Adrian Molina. Its visual flair, blending vibrant alien designs with emotional depth, has positioned it as a Pixar comeback after recent mixed outings.

Why is K-Pop Demon Hunters generating so much Oscar buzz?

Netflix’s K-Pop Demon Hunters flips the script on idol culture, following girl group Huntrix—Rumi, Mira, and Zoey—who moonlight as slayers of Korean folklore demons. Their biggest threat? A rival boy band, the Saja Boys, who are actual demons plotting to steal souls through catchy tunes.

Streaming since June 20, 2025, the film mixes action, fantasy, and original K-pop tracks, earning a Critics’ Choice Award for Best Animated Feature. Directed by Maggie Kang, Chris Appelhans, and Michelle L.M. Wong, it features voices like Arden Cho and Ji-young Yoo. Critics highlight its cultural fusion and energetic animation, making it a fresh alternative to traditional studio fare.

What sets Arco apart in the animated Oscar race?

French import Arco brings a time-travel twist, centering on a boy from 2932 who crash-lands in 2075 and teams with a girl named Iris to fix his device and evade pursuers. The narrative weaves ecological warnings with friendship, set against a backdrop of dystopian suburbs and futuristic utopias.

Directed by Ugo Bienvenu and produced by Natalie Portman, it debuted in France on October 22, 2025, with a U.S. limited release on January 23, 2026, after a qualifying run. Its hand-drawn style and thoughtful sci-fi elements have drawn comparisons to Studio Ghibli, appealing to voters seeking originality.

How does Little Amélie or The Character of Rain capture childhood wonder?

Based on Amélie Nothomb’s novel, Little Amélie or The Character of Rain traces a Belgian girl’s early years in Japan, from a vegetative birth to awakening during an earthquake and bonding with her nanny. The film explores family dynamics, nature, and self-discovery through vivid, original animation.

Directed by Maïlys Vallade and Liane-Cho Han, it opened limited on October 31, 2025, earning acclaim for its poignant visuals and emotional resonance. Loïse Charpentier voices Amélie, in a story that emphasizes healing through connections, rounding out the nominees with a quieter, introspective vibe.

Who is favored to win the 2026 Best Animated Feature Oscar?

Predictions lean toward K-Pop Demon Hunters as the frontrunner, thanks to its innovative blend of music and mythology, plus that Critics’ Choice victory. But Zootopia 2 looms large, with Disney’s Oscar history—think multiple wins for Pixar and Animation Studios—giving it an edge in voter familiarity.

Elio could surprise if Pixar’s emotional storytelling sways the branch, while Arco and Little Amélie appeal to those prioritizing artistry over spectacle. Early buzz from BAFTA and other precursors suggests a split vote, but Netflix’s streaming reach might tip the scales for wider exposure.

How do these nominees reflect trends in animation?

This year’s crop shows animation evolving beyond kid-friendly fare, tackling timely issues like identity in Elio, environmental peril in Arco, and cultural identity in K-Pop Demon Hunters. Disney dominates with two entries, but Netflix and indies prove diverse voices can compete.

Voters increasingly reward bold hybrids, like musical fantasies or autobiographical tales, signaling a maturing field. As tech advances, hand-drawn styles in Little Amélie remind us that story trumps effects.

The 2026 Best Animated Feature race underscores animation’s power to entertain and provoke thought, with K-Pop Demon Hunters and Zootopia 2 likely duking it out until the envelope opens. Whatever wins, it highlights a banner year for the medium, promising more innovative tales ahead and leaving fans eager for what’s next in theaters or on streams.

Hat Tips

• BBC, “Oscars 2026: Nominees list in full,” January 22, 2026

• The Hollywood Reporter, “Oscars: Full List of Nominations,” January 22, 2026

• Threads, “2026 Oscar Nominations — Best Animated Film,” January 22, 2026

• The New York Times, “2026 Oscar Nominations: See the Full List,” January 22, 2026

• IMDb, “2026 Academy Awards Best Animated Feature Submissions,” accessed January 22, 2026

• Variety, “Final Oscar Predictions: Animated Feature — ‘KPop Demon Hunters’ is the One to Beat, but ‘Zootopia 2’ Looms,” January 9, 2026

• Wikipedia, “Zootopia 2,” accessed January 22, 2026

• IMDb, “Zootopia 2 (2025),” accessed January 22, 2026

• YouTube, “Zootopia 2 | Trailer,” July 30, 2025

• Wikipedia, “Elio (film),” accessed January 22, 2026

• IMDb, “Elio (2025),” accessed January 22, 2026

• Disney Wiki, “Elio,” accessed January 22, 2026

• Wikipedia, “KPop Demon Hunters,” accessed January 22, 2026

• IMDb, “KPop Demon Hunters (2025),” accessed January 22, 2026

• Netflix Tudum, “’KPop Demon Hunters’: Grammy Nominations, News, Lore, Trailer, and Merchandise,” January 12, 2026

• Wikipedia, “Arco (film),” accessed January 22, 2026

• IMDb, “Arco (2025),” accessed January 22, 2026

• Roger Ebert, “ARCO movie review & film summary (2025),” November 14, 2025

• Wikipedia, “Little Amélie or the Character of Rain,” accessed January 22, 2026

• IMDb, “Little Amélie or the Character of Rain (2025),” accessed January 22, 2026

• Rotten Tomatoes, “Little Amélie or the Character of Rain,” accessed January 22, 2026