Which animated film won Best Animated Feature at the 2025 Academy Awards?

The animated film that earned the coveted Best Animated Feature award at the 97th Academy Awards ceremony in 2025 was "Flow." This marked a historic achievement, as it was the first Latvian film to ever win an Oscar, and a notable victory for independent animation in a category often dominated by major studios. The win was considered an upset by some, as it triumphed over other high-profile nominees.

"Flow" is a unique and visually striking film, notable for its complete lack of dialogue. Directed by Gints Zilbalodis, the Latvian, French, and Belgian co-production tells the compelling story of a cat navigating a post-apocalyptic world inundated by a massive flood. The protagonist cat finds refuge on a boat and forms an unlikely alliance with other animals, including a capybara, a golden retriever, a ring-tailed lemur, and a secretarybird, as they strive for survival and companionship in their transformed environment. The animation, created using the free and open-source software Blender, features a distinctive digital painting style that contributes to its dreamy and immersive aesthetic.

The film garnered significant critical acclaim prior to its Oscar win, securing multiple awards at prestigious festivals such as the Annecy International Animation Film Festival and the Golden Globe Award for Best Animated Feature Film. Its success highlights the growing recognition for diverse and innovative animated storytelling from around the globe.