Wallace and Gromit's film Vengeance Most Fowl missed out on the Oscar for Best Animated Feature at the 2025 Academy Awards, held at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood on March 2, leaving fans of the iconic duo expressing their outrage over the unexpected turn of events.
The much-loved claymation team arrived on the red carpet dressed to impress, with Wallace sporting a flashy green suit and Gromit elegantly outfitted in a dickie bow. Together with the film's creators—Richard Beek, Nick Park, and Merlin Crossingham—they posed proudly with mini-statues, exuding the charm fans have come to adore over the years.
Vengeance Most Fowl, having premiered on Christmas Day 2024, features the villainous Feathers McGraw, making it Britain's best hope for the Oscar. Fans anticipated this recognition, but the award instead went to the lesser-known Latvian film Flow, which portrays animals surviving as water levels rise dangerously due to climate effects.
The outcome shocked many, as social media erupted with fans dubbing the Oscars 'rigged.' One tweeted, "Wallace and Gromit should have won the Oscar! Rigged!" Another lamented, “Nobody speak to me. Wallace and Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl just lost and Oscar." Popular sentiment echoed between joy for Flow and heartbreak for Wallace and Gromit.
Both Jonathan Ross and Mariella Frostrup, speaking on ITV during the ceremony, touched on the strong emotions surrounding the event. Frostrup candidly expressed her disappointment: "Devastated. Can you tell? I’m acting. I'm acting as if I feel okay about it but I am absolutely heartbroken." This encapsulated the feelings of many who had hoped to see the claymation legends take home the trophy.
The uproar over the Oscar results has amplified discussions about the film and animation industries. While fans were excited to see the return of characters they love, like Wallace and Gromit, they were also aware of Flow's unique storytelling, delivered without dialogue, which follows various animals trying to adjust to their new post-human world.
The accolades for Wallace and Gromit are not entirely without precedent. Previously, they won the Oscar for Best Animated Feature for The Curse of the Were-Rabbit, and the short film The Wrong Trousers also garnered awards. Their storytelling and animation continue to resonate deeply within the British film culture.
Despite the night ending with disappointment for the claymation duo, graffiti artist Banksy chimed during the ceremony, praising their cultural significance, referencing how Wallace and Gromit have become synonymous with British animation across the world. He remarked, "Even with the loss, they remain true royalty to fans everywhere, reflecting whimsy and clever storytelling. We love them for it!"
Post-ceremony reactions diverged dramatically. Many were drawn to the unique artistry of Flow, recognizing its significance. Fans took to X, previously Twitter, to express mixed feelings about the winners: "Flow winner!!! My heart is with Wallace and Gromit, but I’m happy for. #Oscars2025".
Another sentiment shared online noted, "I thought Wallace and Gromit would have won or The Wild Robot. That was surprising. But really, I'm glad there was respect for the animated films tonight. #Animationisforeveryone". Such comments emphasized changing perceptions toward animation, as the award show aims to reflect diverse storytelling and innovations.
It is evident this year's Academy Awards brought with them remarkable films and intense competition, leading to surprises, emotional responses, and even controversy. The ceremony highlighted the continued evolution and appreciation of animation, even as beloved figures like Wallace and Gromit had to settle for merely nominations this time.
With their charming whimsy and ability to connect emotionally with audiences, Wallace and Gromit are expected to bounce back with future projects. While they didn't take home the Oscar this time, they remain beloved figures and pioneers of claymation, and their legacy undoubtedly stands tall.