Gints Zilbalodis Celebrates Oscar Win at Fast-Food Joint
Gints Zilbalodis, the director of the animated film Flow, celebrated his historic 2025 Oscar victory humorously by dining at the renowned fast-food restaurant chain, In-N-Out. This quirky celebration mirrors his earlier festivities after his win at the Golden Globes earlier this year.
Gathering his entire production team, Zilbalodis chose the California-based hamburger chain, famous for its delicious yet affordable menu, with meals averaging around $5 each. The choice of venue showcased the director's playful spirit and the accessibility he values within the film industry.
Set against the backdrop of a post-apocalyptic deluge, Flow narrates the heartwarming story of a solitary cat fighting for survival. After catastrophic flooding ravages its world, the protagonist must unite with other local beings to protect their makeshift boat from destruction, showcasing themes of cooperation and resilience. This heartfelt narrative struck a chord, enabling Zilbalodis to triumph over esteemed competitors like Wild Robot from DreamWorks and Inside Out 2 from Disney Pixar.
The uniqueness of Flow lies not only within its story but also its production, entirely crafted using the free software Blender, showcasing innovation and creativity at its finest.
While Zilbalodis' film excelled at the Academy Awards, it also competed for Best International Feature Film but fell short against the Brazilian entry, Ainda Estou Aqui.
After receiving the Oscar for Best Animated Feature, Zilbalodis took to social media to share his joy, posting pictures alongside acclaimed Brazilian director Walter Salles, attesting to the camaraderie and shared experiences of filmmakers.
This untraditional celebration at In-N-Out exemplifies the spirit of Zilbalodis and his team, who prioritize personal connection and genuine joy over the glamorous expectations typically associated with Hollywood accolades. The director’s humble approach resonates with fans and colleagues alike, adding to the authenticity of his recent success.
Though faced with fierce competition, Zilbalodis' win signals recognition for animated storytelling from smaller, innovative films alongside larger studio productions, potentially paving the way for more voices and narratives to emerge within the animation industry.