Variety updated its best animated feature predictions on November 3, and the headline is that Laika's Wildwood currently looks like the one to beat in what the outlet calls one of the most competitive lineups in years.
Quick answer
According to Variety's Awards Circuit (updated Nov. 3, 2026), Wildwood from Laika leads the 2027 best animated feature race. Challengers include Tangles, Toy Story 5, Brad Bird's Ray Gunn, Hoppers, Forgotten Island and Iron Boy. The 99th Oscars are on March 14, 2027; nominations are announced January 21, 2027.
Why Wildwood is ahead
Wildwood is Laika's first PG-13 film in 17 years as a feature studio, and at 130 minutes it ties the record for the longest English-language animated film. Director Travis Knight is already an Oscar nominee for Kubo and the Two Strings. Variety says it is among the year's most acclaimed films despite weak box office.
The adult-animation angle
Tangles, directed by first-timer Leah Nelson, adapts Sarah Leavitt's graphic memoir about her mother's Alzheimer's. Both it and Wildwood are being submitted in the Golden Globes drama categories rather than the usual comedy slot for animation. For anime fans, the shift is familiar: Japanese filmmakers have made animation for adults for decades, and our fall 2026 ranked guide shows that range on TV.
The Disney and Pixar question
Neither Disney nor Pixar has won since Guillermo del Toro's Pinocchio. Recent winners were The Boy and the Heron, Flow and KPop Demon Hunters, so Toy Story 5 is not a lock.
Key dates
Preliminary voting for the shortlist runs Dec. 7-11, with the shortlist announced Dec. 15. Nominations voting runs Jan. 11-15, 2027.
More animated films to read next
Also on our radar: The Cat in the Hat animated movie reviews, the Kuromi movie and the best 1980s anime films.
Frequently asked questions
Q: Who is favored to win best animated feature in 2027?
A: Variety currently has Laika's Wildwood as the one to beat.
Q: When are the 2027 Oscar nominations?
A: January 21, 2027.
Q: When is the ceremony?
A: March 14, 2027, hosted by Conan O'Brien.
Q: Is Toy Story 5 a contender?
A: Yes, but Disney and Pixar have not won the category since Pinocchio.