AWN’s Chris Robinson suits up to present his arguments for and against a range of conceptually and aesthetically formidable contenders for best animated feature at the 89th Academy Awards.

Kubo and the Two Strings, Travis Knight (U.S.)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p4-6qJzeb3A

Moana, Ron Clements & John Musker (U.S.)

Piper Disney Pixar

My Life as a Zucchini, Claude Barras (France/Switzerland)

The Red Turtle, Michael Dudok de Wit (Japan/France/Belgium)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t1Yw3AVDr6U

Zootopia, Byron Howard & Rich Moore (U.S.)

What should win: The indie side of me says I should cheer on The Red Turtle and My Life as a Zucchini. They both – in the context of the animated feature – address unique subjects in a wholly imaginative and refreshing way. But nope… can’t do it…. it should be Zootopia.

What will win: Zootopia. It’s funny and yet also manages to touch on a slew of social, cultural and racial issues without beating us over the head with it.

What’s really the best animated feature of the year: I’m torn between the poetic Louise en Hiver (which shares much in common with The Red Turtle) and the haunting Spanish feature, Pscionauts, The Forgotten Children. I think people need a dosage of both.