Oscar-Nominated Sci-Fi Film 'Arco' Aims to Inspire Hope

The whimsical animated feature from French director Ugo Bienvenu explores the power of imagination in the face of adversity.

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

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The Oscar-nominated animated film 'Arco' from French director Ugo Bienvenu is a whimsical and optimistic vision of the future that follows two children from different eras who come together through time travel. The film, which opens in U.S. theaters on Thursday, addresses themes like climate change and the role of technology, but does so in a way that considers the possibility of a brighter tomorrow through innovation and imagination.

Why it matters

As technology continues to advance, 'Arco' serves as a reminder that the power of human imagination and creativity can help shape a better future. The film's personal and socially engaged storytelling approach, which is characteristic of French animation, offers a refreshing alternative to more generic sci-fi narratives.

The details

In 'Arco,' the future is depicted as a time when robots carry out most jobs, and humans live on high-up platforms among the clouds. The film features interactive holograms and protective domes, but Bienvenu purposefully avoids explaining how these technologies work, preferring to let the fantasy elements take center stage. The director's goal was to create a 'movie that feels like a hug' and reminds viewers that imagination is 'our superpower' in the face of adversity.

  • The film 'Arco' opens in U.S. theaters on Thursday, February 11, 2026.
  • The film is nominated for an Oscar for best animated feature.

The players

Ugo Bienvenu

A French illustrator and animator who directed the film 'Arco' and co-owns the production company Remembers.

Félix de Givry

An actor who served as a producer and co-writer on 'Arco'.

Natalie Portman

An actress who voiced two characters in the English-language dub of 'Arco' and helped secure funding for the project through her production company, MountainA.

Mark Ruffalo

An actor who provided a voice for the English-language dub of 'Arco'.

Will Ferrell

An actor who provided a voice for the English-language dub of 'Arco'.

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What they’re saying

“It was such a poetic way to describe imagination. It allows one to think of a world that doesn't currently exist. It's that memory of the future that unites artists and activists.”

— Natalie Portman (Email)

“The stories tend to be personal but socially engaged rather than generic and gag-based.”

— Richard Neupert, Author of 'French Animation History' (nytimes.com)

What’s next

The film 'Arco' is nominated for an Oscar for best animated feature, and the winner will be announced at the Academy Awards ceremony on March 2, 2026.

The takeaway

Through its whimsical and optimistic vision of the future, 'Arco' serves as a powerful reminder that human imagination and creativity can help shape a better tomorrow, even in the face of daunting challenges like climate change and technological advancement.