The Latvian film “Flow” has triumphed at the Oscars, securing the award for best animated feature. This achievement marks the first time a Latvian film has been nominated for an Oscar. The film, which features no dialogue, tells the story of a cat seeking refuge after a devastating flood and was produced using the free software Blender. Director Gints Zilbalodis, who also directed “Away” in 2019, expressed deep gratitude to his family and pets upon receiving the award. “Flow” has grossed $20 million worldwide, becoming the most-watched film in Latvian history, and previously won the Golden Globe for best animated film.

The director, Gints Zilbalodis, suggested that the film’s success might be due to its optimistic and hopeful message, which is a welcome respite for audiences tired of negative news. This sentiment was echoed by Latvian President Edgars Rinkevics, who commended the film and its team for their achievement. The success of “Flow” highlights the growing appreciation for animation from smaller film industries, and it stands as a testament to the power of storytelling in cinema. In the previous year, the Oscar for best animated feature was awarded to Hayao Miyazaki’s “The Boy and the Heron.”

Source: https://www.theguardian.com/film/2025/mar/03/oscar-flow-best-animated-feature