The Hollywood Creative Alliance has announced six nominees for Best Animated Feature at the upcoming 9th Astra Film Awards, spotlighting a diverse slate of international and domestic animation. The selected films (Arco, Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba – The Movie: Infinity Castle, In Your Dreams, KPop Demon Hunters, Little Amélie or the Character of Rain, and Zootopia 2) represent a cross-section of storytelling, animation styles, and industry influence.
Arco
Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Infinity Castle
KPop Demon Hunters
Little Amélie or the Character of Rain
Zootopia 2
In Your Dreams
The Astra Film Awards are widely regarded as a trendsetter for animation excellence just ahead of the Oscar season. The ceremony, set for January 9, 2026, arrives mere weeks before the Academy Award nominations.
A Closer Look at the Nominees
Arco brings an independent sensibility, praised for its nuanced visual storytelling and emotional resonance. In contrast, Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba – The Movie: Infinity Castle extends the globally acclaimed anime franchise, delivering high-octane action and stylized visuals that have solidified its status.
In Your Dreams enters the race with a reputation for inventive narrative structure and artistic ambition, while KPop Demon Hunters merges pop culture and supernatural elements, reflecting the ongoing integration of music-driven animation with genre storytelling.
Little Amélie or the Character of Rain stands out for its poetic approach and European animation sensibilities, offering a contemplative counterpoint to the lineup. Rounding out the nominees, Zootopia 2 marks a major return for Disney’s acclaimed anthropomorphic franchise, promising both comedic edge and timely social commentary.
Voice acting talent is also in the spotlight, with performers like Shakira reprising her role as Gazelle in Zootopia 2 and Arden Cho leading the charge in KPop Demon Hunters.
Visual and Creative Direction
The nominated films showcase a diverse range of animation techniques and aesthetics. From the painterly, introspective worlds of Arco and Little Amélie to the high-gloss, action-packed spectacle of Demon Slayer, the category showcases the medium’s versatility. KPop Demon Hunters and Zootopia 2 emphasize dynamic character animation and vibrant color palettes, while In Your Dreams experiments with dreamlike sequences and surreal visual transitions.
Release and Awards Timeline
Winners of the 9th Astra Film Awards will be revealed on January 9, 2026, setting the stage for the year’s awards circuit. The nominations offer a preview of the titles likely to generate further attention as the Oscar race heats up, particularly with the Academy Award nominations scheduled later that month.
