Oscars 2017: Dark Horse/Upset Predictions

BEST ANIMATED FILM: Kubo and the Two Strings

Frontrunner: Zootopia

Potential Upset: Kubo and the Two Strings

Disney takes the Animated award more often than not. Since 2001, when the award was introduced, Disney or Disney-Pixar has taken the top prize nine times. That means it’s probably going to win again this year, mostly likely for the critically acclaimed and socially conscious Zootopia.

Animation company Laika, on the other hand, has won zero Oscars and only has four movies in their roster: Coraline, ParaNorman, The Box Trolls and this year’s Kubo and the Two Strings. The company specializes in stop-motion animation, in contrast to Disney’s 3D computer animated films.

Kubo and the Two Strings is about a young boy named Kubo on a magical journey to defeat a vengeful spirit. The art-style in the film utilizes origami and other traditional Japanese designs and has been praised by critics for its incredibly beautiful animation. The film is currently sitting at 97% on Rotten Tomatoes, and has won at the Annie Awards, the Visual Effects Society and took home the top animation prize at the National Board of Review.

It’s definitely the underdog in this race up against Disney’s behemoth, but animation voters might be wowed by the visuals and cast their vote accordingly.