Oscar Nominees: Best Animated Feature

My predictions: 4/5
My ballot: Coming soon!
The nominees: Encanto, Flee, Luca, The Mitchells vs. the Machines, Raya and the Last Dragon

I’ve been saying all along that the animated slate from 2021 was terrific, and I would be happy with anything that got nominated. Still, it’s sad to see “Belle” left off as well as three other films that were never going to make the cut, “Poupelle of Chimney Town,” “My Sunny Maad,” and “Vivo.” Both Luca and Raya and the Last Dragon made it in, joining two of my favorites, Encanto and The Mitchells vs. the Machines. And Flee pulled off the historic feat of earning nominations here and in the international and documentary feature races.

My current bet to win: Unless “Flee” can upset, this is going to Encanto.