Despite grossing over $2.2 billion globally and setting 113 box office records, Ne Zha 2 shocked fans and critics alike by not appearing on the shortlist for the Oscar for Best Animated Feature. The most surprising thing is that the decision came from the film’s production team itself.
According to the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, 35 films met the criteria to compete in the animated film category this year, but Ne Zha 2 was noticeably absent. While some initially assumed the film had been disqualified, distribution companies later confirmed that it had met all technical requirements, including its North American theatrical release and meeting the 75% animation content threshold.
The key issue: CMC Pictures, the film’s North American distributor, did not submit the application, effectively withdrawing the film from contention. American film critics verified this detail, confirming that the withdrawal was voluntary.
This unexpected move sparked an intense discussion. One major factor appears to be the fact that Oscar financial campaigns can cost tens of millions of dollars in promotional efforts, screenings and jury outreach. However, Ne Zha 2 it earned just $20.72 million in North America, about 1.3% of its global revenue, making the return of a costly campaign uncertain.
The experience with Ne Zha 1 in 2020 may have contributed to the hesitancy. Despite being China’s official submission, the original film failed to get a nomination. Many critics of the time pointed out the cultural and artistic gap between Chinese aesthetics and Hollywood standards. These unresolved tensions likely fueled the production team’s wariness, which feared a repeat of the disappointment.
Furthermore, director Jiaozi is said to be fully focused on development Ne Zha 3. According to team members, improving technical quality and advancing storytelling take priority over award recognition.
When news of the Oscar’s absence spread, Chinese social media exploded with conflicting opinions. Some netizens praised the decision as a sign of self-confidence, saying Chinese animation no longer needs Western validation. Others lamented what they saw as a missed opportunity for broader international recognition, especially if considered Ne Zha 2Its modest performance at the US box office.
The controversy intensified as past frustrations resurfaced. The World Journal reported that director Jiaozi was twice denied visas to attend Oscar-related events in 2020, despite receiving official invitations. Producer Xu Xi confirmed that the US consulate provided no explanation for the waste. Many believe this experience left a lasting scar and influenced this year’s decision.
Interestingly, a number of prize prediction websites have been listed Ne Zha 2 among the top contenders, with some ranking it sixth for a likely Oscar nomination. This only amplified the public’s confusion and disappointment over the withdrawal.
Some analysts suggest that the team never prioritized rewards from the start. They even skipped the prestigious Golden Rooster Awards despite being named winners, perhaps to avoid excessive media attention following their overwhelming success. In this context, pursuing an Oscar could have triggered internal criticism over “Obsession with Western validation”, making the team even more hesitant.
According to Sohu, Ne Zha 2 was disqualified not for violation of rules but simply because the application was never submitted. At the moment, the only Chinese animated film officially in the running for an Oscar is The Legend of Hei II.
Sources: TP
