Disney Studios Vie for Oscars with 'Elio' and 'Zootopia 2'

Pixar and Walt Disney Animation Studios earn Best Animated Feature nominations for their latest releases.

Mar. 14, 2026 at 4:24am

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Disney's Pixar and Walt Disney Animation Studios are both in the running for the Best Animated Feature Oscar at the upcoming 98th Academy Awards. Pixar's 'Elio' and Disney Animation's 'Zootopia 2' have earned nominations, highlighting the studios' continued creative strength and the evolving trends within the animation industry.

Why it matters

The dual nominations for 'Elio' and 'Zootopia 2' showcase the studios' ability to push the boundaries of animated storytelling. However, 'Elio' faced controversy over the removal of LGBTQ+ storyline elements, reflecting a broader debate about representation and creative control in major animation studios.

The details

Pixar's 'Elio' initially included LGBTQ+ storyline elements, but these were ultimately cut. Pixar chief Pete Docter explained the decision, stating the studio was focused on making a movie, not 'hundreds of millions of dollars of therapy.' This decision sparked debate, reflecting a growing tension between the desire to create inclusive narratives and the perceived risks associated with potentially alienating audiences. Meanwhile, the sequel to the critically acclaimed 'Zootopia' promises to delve deeper into the world's rich history and mythology, with the introduction of reptiles to the franchise demonstrating a commitment to expanding the diversity of characters and storylines.

  • The 98th Academy Awards ceremony will take place on March 15, 2026.

The players

Pete Docter

Chief creative officer at Pixar Animation Studios.

Jared Bush

Co-director of 'Zootopia 2'.

Madeline Sharafian

Co-director of 'Elio'.

Domee Shi

Director of 'Elio'.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

The takeaway

The success of 'Elio' and 'Zootopia 2' highlights the continued evolution of the animation industry, with studios navigating the balance between compelling storytelling, technological advancements, and the need for greater diversity and inclusion in their narratives.