Guillermo del Toro’s Pinocchio Claims Best Animated Feature Oscar

On a glorious Sunday evening, the 95th Academy Awards ceremony in Los Angeles at the Dolby Theatre kicked off with a grand headline: Mexican director Guillermo del Toro won the Best Animated Feature Film award for his reimagined version of the classic tale, Pinocchio.

The film triumphed over competition from multiple acclaimed films including Marcel the Shell with Shoes On, Puss in Boots: The Last Wish, The Sea Beast, and Turning Red. This victory marks a significant milestone for Netflix, becoming the first over-the-top (OTT) or streaming platform to secure the Oscar in this category. Furthermore, Guillermo del Toro achieved yet another historic feat as the first Latino director to win an Oscar for Best Picture, Best Animated Feature, and Best Director.

Academy Award for Best Animated Feature Film Winners 2023

The Academy Award for Best Animated Feature Film is an esteemed accolade handed out annually to recognize the best feature-length animated film of the year. This year, Guillermo del Toro’s Pinocchio stood victorious, earning the accolade at the Dolby Theatre.

Pinocchio - The Film

Guillermo del Toro’s Pinocchio, a reimagining of the classic story, was initially announced in 2008 with plans to release it in 2013 or 2014. However, the project faced setbacks and fell into a period known as "development hell." It was resurrected in 2018 and picked up by Netflix, giving life to this cinematic masterpiece.

The film is set during Fascist Italy during the interwar period and the early days of World War II, offering a thrilling and visually stunning experience. Prior to its Oscar triumph, the film had already garnered several prestigious awards, including Anni, ACE, and PGA Awards.

Key Cast and Crew

Directors: Guillermo del Toro and Mark Gustafson

Cinematography: Frank Passingham

Screenplay: Guillermo del Toro, Patrick McHale, Gris Grimly, and Matthew Robbins

Music Director: Alexandre Desplat

Pinocchio's Release Date and Reception

The film Guillermo del Toro's Pinocchio was released on December 9, 2022, in the United States. It received a rating of 7.6/10 on IMDb with 85,000 votes and a runtime of 85 minutes.

The official trailer can be viewed on YouTube and showcases the film's rich visuals and compelling storyline. Netflix has released multiple trailer teasers, highlighting the film's unique artistic direction and memorable characters.

Conclusion

With its exquisite storytelling, stunning visuals, and powerful performances, Guillermo del Toro’s Pinocchio solidified its place in the annals of animation history. The film's Oscar win is a testament to the talent and vision of its director, Guillermo del Toro, and his team. As Guillermo del Toro continues to inspire future generations of filmmakers and viewers, the legacy of Pinocchio will undoubtedly endure.