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With its shocking story and lively animation,Look Backbecame a fan-favorite anime film in 2024. Ahead of the 97th Academy Awards, fans were excited to seeLook Backmaking it to the nominations list. To their dismay,Look Backcouldn’t make it to the list. This has sparked a conversation about the Oscars’ reservations against anime as a medium.
Such a discussion is important considering all that the anime film offers in a short span of time. For the same reason, the fan reactions are understandable. However, the worst aspect of this entire ordeal is Tatsuki Fujimoto not receiving his due.
Look Backis sad, beautiful, and truly riveting in many ways
Look Backhit the theatres in June 2024, and quickly garnered massive attention from fans. It follows the story of Fujino, a young artist, and her relationship with her craft. The societal pressure to act her age puts a distance between herself and her art. Right then, she gets challenged and inspired by Kyomoto, an exceptionally skilled artist of her own age.
A simple interaction between the two leads to a life-long connection, one that’s almost heartbreaking.Tatsuki Fujimoto’s beautifully real storytelling takes center stage inLook Back. The melancholic narrative tugs at the heartstrings of fans with characters who are simple, yet tragic. The film further elevated the best aspects of the one-shot with stunning animation and a beautiful musical score.
Tatsuki Fujimoto Didn’t Waste the Golden Opportunity Hidden in the Symbolism of ‘Look Back’s Most Famous Scene
For how great the film was, it’s quite saddening that it didn’t make it to the Oscars’ nominations for Best Animated Feature. Moreover, no anime film made it to the list, as this X post explains.
LOOK BACK or any other Anime Film has not been nominated for this Year’s Oscar for Best Animated Feature.The Nominated Films are:‘Flow'‘Inside Out 2'‘The Wild Robot'‘Memoir of a Snail'‘Wallace & Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl’pic.twitter.com/uPSbuqMEvm
The list is correct EXCEPT LOOK BACK SHOULD’VE BEEN THERE INSTEAD ONF INSIDE OUT 2… But Disney owns this show, they ain’t letting some anime take their obligated spot
How dare they? Are they afraid an anime film could win the award 2 years in a row?
Having Look Back not even get a nomination is all I needed to know about the Oscar’s this year 🫡
It’s sad that it seems virtually impossible for any anime movie to even get considered for nominations unless it’s made by Ghibli
Of course they won’t, because Look Back will show them how depressing the life of a mangaka can be. A lot of the message is lost on the screeners too.You want to keep the Western audiences unaware of the reality of the living conditions of mangakas.
The X comments highlight an important point. The anime film puts great emphasis on the creative experiences and struggles of mangaka. These experiences, unfortunately, might not be as relevant to those who are not directly linked with the industry.
The comparatively shorter length of the anime film compared to the other titles on the list could have affected its chances, as well. However, it’s a popular belief among fans thatthe Oscars have some reservations against anime films, excluding Studio Ghibli films.
Tatsuki Fujimoto missing out on Oscar nomination led to major disappointment
Fujimoto is a highly respected figure in the anime community. The mangaka has a distinct style that is brutally honest and profound. His characters stay with fans beyond their interactions with his work. Look Backwas no different, it was quintessential Fujimoto. From the characters to the portrayal of the tragic aspects of life, the mangaka conveyed it all with moving conviction.
“It’s not a revolution”: ‘Look Back’ May Have Shaken Hideo Kojima to His Core, but Kiyotaka Oshiyama Still Isn’t Sure Why It Worked So Well Outside Japan
WhileLook Backmight have been more simplistic and groundedcompared to the other titles on the list, but that’s where its appeal lies. It would have been wonderful for Fujimoto to receive recognition on the world stage, especially at one as prestigious as the Oscars’. However, not qualifying for the same doesn’t diminish his brilliance in any way.
Look Backis available to stream on Amazon Prime Video.
Laveena Joshi
Anime Writer
Articles Published :926
Laveena is an anime content writer at FandomWire. Having written more than 800 articles, she’s an expert in mainstream shonen series, ranging from the bizarre world of JoJo’s to the expansive worldbuilding of One Piece.With her formal education in Journalism and Mass Communication, she explores entertainment journalism through the lens of anime and manga, from mainstream and classic titles to niche and obscure ones.
