The Latvian adventure Flow has won the Oscar for best animated feature.
The dialogue-free film, which debuted at the Cannes film festival, triumphed in a category that included the higher-profile blockbusters Inside Out 2 and The Wild Robot. It is the first Latvian film to ever be nominated for an Oscar.
The story follows the journey of a cat who must find safety after its home is devastated by a flood.
The director Gints Zilbalodis started production back in 2019 using the free and open-source software Blender. It is his second full-length feature after 2019’s Away.
Speaking on the podium, Zilbalodis thanked his mother and father, and his cats and dogs. “We are all in the same boat and must overcome our differences to find ways to work together,” he added.
The film has made $20m worldwide and has become the most-viewed theatrical film in Latvian history. It also won the Golden Globe for best animated film in January.
“People are tired of bad news and maybe this film represents something that feels optimistic and hopeful in regard to the country’s self-esteem,” Zilbalodis said to the New York Times about the success.
Flow has also won the support of the Latvian president, Edgars Rinkevics. “Great moment for the team, great moment for Latvia!” he wrote after the Golden Globe win.
Last year’s award was given to Hayao Miyazaki’s The Boy and the Heron.
Read more about the 2025 Oscars:
Anora takes home best picture Oscar
Adrien Brody and Mikey Madison win best acting prizes
Kieran Culkin and Zoe Saldaña win supporting awards
Anora’s Sean Baker wins for directing, editing and screenplay
