The 2025 Academy Award for Best Animated Feature Flow, a remarkable low-budget film from Latvia.
The Latvian treasure tells the story of a black cat and other animals navigating a world affected by flooding. The Oscar for “Flow” was presented on March 14, 2025, captivating audiences around the globe.
Flow blends breathtaking animation with a poignant environmental tale. With just a $3.5 million budget compared to Inside Out 2’s $200 million, it outshone bigger rivals. Director Gints Zilbalodis crafted this emotional journey using free Blender software, proving that indie films can compete at the top.
FLOW made waves and took home the gold! Congrats to the team on their Best Animated Feature Film win. #Oscars
Photo Credit: Matt Sayles pic.twitter.com/QBie2FyRcg
— The Academy (@TheAcademy) March 6, 2025The Flow Oscar win is Latvia’s first in this category, a historic feat for its film industry. From a simple sketch, Zilbalodis built the 3D world directly, prioritizing story over costly details. “It was faster and easier,” he said, showcasing efficiency and creativity.
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Using Blender, Flow highlights the strength of open-source animation. This tool leveled the playing field, enabling a small team to deliver immersive visuals without a massive budget. Its success inspires independent filmmakers worldwide.
The Flow Oscar win proves passion and talent can trump big spending. As a beacon for indie cinema, it redefines what’s possible, cementing Latvia’s place in animation history.
