#23: Brave, 85th Academy Awards, 2013

Categories: Winner of the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature

Best Animated Feature nominees who lost at the 85th Academy Awards:

• Frankenweenie
• ParaNorman
• The Pirates! Band of Misfits
• Wreck-It Ralph

The Best Animated Feature Oscar has long been criticized for favoring Disney and Pixar productions, a sentiment seemingly validated by Brave’s 2012 win. Despite being a Pixar creation, Brave fell short of the studio’s usual standards, landing squarely in the realm of mediocrity. Its victory felt more like a checkbox ticked than a genuine recognition of excellence in animation and storytelling.

Contenders like Frankenweenie, ParaNorman, and The Pirates! Band of Misfits pushed the boundaries of stop-motion animation, showcasing innovation and creativity. Wreck-It Ralph earned accolades for its fresh take on video game-inspired storytelling. Ironically, Brave’s most memorable contribution to pop culture may be Merida’s cameo in Ralph Breaks the Internet, highlighting the overshadowed brilliance of its competitors.