At the 2017 awards season, animation lovers and industry watchers turned their attention to the category that celebrates bold storytelling and technical mastery. The Oscar best animated film 2017 spotlighted a year when daring visuals, intimate character work, and socially resonant themes shaped the competitive landscape.
Looking back at the contenders and the eventual winner reveals how the field balanced commercial appeal with director-driven visions. The following sections break down the film, its peers, and the creative forces behind the nomination.
| Film | Director(s) | Studio | Running Time | Nomination Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kubo and the Two Strings | Travis Knight | Laika | 101 min | Won Oscar |
| Zootopia | Byron Howard, Rich Moore | Walt Disney Animation Studios | 108 min | Nominated |
| Moana | Ron Clements, John Musker | Walt Disney Animation Studios | 107 min | Nominated |
| How to Catch a Star | Philip DeYoung | Vanguard Animation | 85 min | Not nominated |
| Piper | Alan Barillaro | Pixar | 6 min | Won Short Oscar |
Kubo and the Two Strings as the Oscar Best Animated Film 2017
Kubo and the Two Strings distinguished itself through handcrafted stop-motion techniques and a narrative steeped in Japanese folklore. The film follows a young storyteller as he embarks on a quest to find a magical suit of armor once worn by his late father. Its meticulous production design, nuanced voice work, and emotionally grounded script earned it the Academy’s recognition for animated excellence.
Unlike many big-studio tentpole releases, the film leaned into quieter, more introspective themes of memory, grief, and familial duty. Its use of practical effects and in-camera tricks set a new benchmark for texture and tactility in modern stop-motion, influencing how future projects approached tangible animation.
The cultural resonance of the film also played a critical role in its reception, as it introduced broader audiences to the subtle beauty of Japanese mythos while maintaining universal emotional stakes. This blend of artistry, heartfelt storytelling, and cross-cultural appeal defined its path to winning the Oscar for best animated film 2017.
Craft and Innovation in Modern Stop-Motion
Stop-motion animation has long been celebrated for its tactile charm, and Kubo exemplified how traditional techniques can coexist with contemporary storytelling tools. Artists combined miniatures, puppetry, and digital effects to create sweeping landscapes and intimate close-ups that felt simultaneously real and dreamlike.
The production team developed custom software to simulate complex cloth and water behavior within the constraints of physical sets, ensuring that each frame retained the slight imperfections that give stop-motion its human touch. This marriage of analog craft and digital precision allowed Kubo to stand out among more tech-heavy CGI competitors.
Audiences responded to the warmth of the handcrafted aesthetic, which lent the film an intimacy rarely seen in large-scale animated releases. Critics highlighted the way each meticulously composed shot reinforced the story’s themes of creation and legacy, making the technical achievements feel inseparable from the emotional core.
The Competitive Landscape and Nominees
Alongside Kubo, the best animated film field in 2017 featured strong contenders from major studios, each bringing distinct styles and audiences. Zootopia impressed with its world-building and social allegory, while Moana showcased lush Polynesian-inspired design and Broadway-caliber musical sequences. These films pushed the boundaries of mainstream animation, yet Kubo’s more intimate, art-house sensibility ultimately resonated with the Academy voters.
Piper, though a short film, also claimed major attention by securing the Oscar for best animated short 2017. Its realistic CGI sanderling and tightly paced storytelling demonstrated the continued importance of innovation at every scale of production.
Together, these nominees illustrated a year in which animation served as a platform for diverse voices and ambitious genre experiments. The recognition of Kubo affirmed the value of patient, visually daring filmmaking in an era increasingly dominated by franchise-driven content.
Cultural Impact and Industry Influence
The win for Kubo had ripple effects across the industry, encouraging studios to invest in distinctive visual identities and culturally specific stories. Filmmakers took note of how meticulous craftsmanship and authentic representation could elevate a project from awards contender to lasting cultural touchstone.
Streaming platforms and specialty distributors gained additional confidence in backing stop-motion and other labor-intensive techniques, knowing that audiences and critics would reward the effort. This shift contributed to a broader appreciation for animation as a medium capable of sophisticated, adult-oriented themes without sacrificing accessibility.
Long after the headlines faded, Kubo’s influence remained visible in projects that embraced handcrafted techniques and global folklore. Its success demonstrated that audiences were eager for stories rooted in heritage yet speaking to universal experiences of loss, courage, and reconciliation.
Key Takeaways for Animation Enthusiasts
- Kubo and the Two Strings won the Oscar for best animated film 2017, celebrated for handcrafted stop-motion and emotional depth.
- The film advanced technical standards in stop-motion, integrating digital effects while preserving tactile imperfections.
- Strong nominees like Zootopia and Moana showcased diverse storytelling approaches but differed in tone and audience appeal.
- The win underscored the industry’s growing appreciation for culturally specific stories and artist-driven projects.
- Continued innovation in both feature films and shorts, such as Piper, elevates the entire animation ecosystem.
FAQ
Reader questions
Why was Kubo and the Two Strings chosen as the Oscar best animated film 2017?
The Academy recognized Kubo for its exceptional craftsmanship, emotionally resonant storytelling, and innovative use of stop-motion. The film’s blend of Japanese folklore, striking visuals, and intimate character journey distinguished it from other strong nominees.
How did Zootopia and Moana compare in the best animated film 2017 race?
Zootopia impressed with its smart social commentary and richly designed city, while Moana delivered dazzling musical set pieces and culturally inspired world-building. Despite their strengths, both were seen as more conventional studio offerings compared to Kubo’s distinct artistic vision.
What technical innovations defined Kubo and the Two Strings at the 2017 awards?
Kubo advanced stop-motion through new software for simulating cloth and water, alongside meticulously painted sets and seamless digital compositing. These innovations created a tactile, immersive look that honored traditional techniques while expanding what the medium could achieve.
Did Piper have any impact on the best animated film 2017 category?
Although Piper won the short film Oscar, its influence highlighted the importance of concise, high-concept storytelling and cutting-edge CGI. This spotlight on short-form innovation raised the profile of technical excellence across the broader animation field.