The Animation Race 2020
Klaus
Directors: Sergio Pablos & Carlos Martinez Lopez
Klaus was one of a myriad of films released by Netflix around the Christmas period, however it was certainly one that stood out from the crowd.
Klaus is the directorial debut for Sergio Pablos and has an incredible voice cast of the likes of Jason Schwartzman and Rashida Jones, as well as J.K Simmons as the title character.
This is certainly a twist on the origin story of Santa Claus and follows the story of a postman stationed on an island in the North who befriends Klaus, a reclusive toymaker. The message of the story is clear, that one act of kindness can often spark another even in a place where feuding locals barely speak to each other.
Klaus is a heartwarming take on the Christmas origin story, filled with emotion and humour, with a message of kindness that really rings true, coupled with some stunning animation that (much like last year’s winner Spider-Man: Into the Spiderverse) sets itself apart from the rest.
This is Netflix’s first animation to be nominated for an Academy Award, and it has already won the BAFTA for best animated feature, so expect some high praise for Klaus even if it doesn’t walk out with the trophy.
Recommended for you: 5 Reasons Why Klaus Is an Amazing Christmas Film
Missing Link
Director: Chris Butler
Missing Link is another stunning stop-motion animated feature from Laika, the creators of previous Academy Award nominee Kubo and the Two Strings.
It presents the story of Mr Link, a Sasquatch who befriends an English explorer and adventures with him to the Himalayas in search of his Yeti cousins. It is a traditional story of adventures and friendship, with a heartfelt and humorous core.
Missing Link is another contender with an all-star voice cast including Hugh Jackman, David Walliams, Stephen Fry, Emma Thompson and Zach Galifanakis just to name a few. Missing Link lets us celebrate a more traditional style of animation, away from the computer generated films that now dominate the genre. It was awarded the Golden Globe for Best Animated Feature and was the first non-computer-generated animated film to win in this category, which certainly increases its chances of taking home the gold come Oscars night.
Recommended for you: Laika Animated Movies Ranked
Toy Story 4
Director: Josh Cooley
Pixar are no stranger to the awards scene when it comes to animated features, and this year they presented the fourth instalment to one of the most beloved animated franchises of all time, Toy Story.
The entire gang are back, including Tom Hanks and Tim Allen who reprise their roles and Woody and Buzz. We may have felt that Toy Story 3 gave the perfect send off to Woody, Buzz and the gang but this film developed their story that little bit further. We see the characters we know and love set off on a road trip with new owner Bonnie, and a new toy Bonnie has created and loves dearly. When said toy, Forky, gets separated from the group, Woody sets off on a quest to find him and ultimately make sure Bonnie is happy. Along the way, Woody runs into an old friend as well as some hilarious new ones that make him question his place in the world now that he is no longer a part of Andy’s life.
Toy Story 4 is blessed with the stunning visuals that Pixar always deliver, however it has a lot to contend with this year, and this chapter in the story did not quite hit the same highs as its predecessors, and may not quite make it to the finish line first (though never entirely discount Pixar…).
Recommended for you: Every Pixar Movie Ranked
There are some serious contenders in the Animation Race this year, and it will be interesting who will come out on top. Who do you think will win the Animation Race 2020? Let us know in the comments or tweet us.
