This piece is entirely satirical. Read the rest of our April Fool’s edition, the Trinibonian, here.
Every year, the Academy Awards claims to present prestige to the most deserving films. But if that’s truly the case, I and so many others are left wondering — why did “Zootopia 2” go home empty-handed this year? “Zootopia 2” was only nominated for one Academy Award, or Oscar, despite reaching the upper echelon of success deserving of far more. “Zootopia 2” should have won best animated feature, and it should’ve at least been nominated for best original song, acting and international film.
All who claim to be cinephiles know the most coveted award at the Oscars is best animated feature. Previous winners include the acclaimed films “Shrek,” “Spiderman: Into the Spiderverse” and even the first “Zootopia.” By a percentage I’m sure was marginal, “KPop Demon Hunters” took the award home this year. Yes, the Netflix film may have been fun, popular and original, but the truth is, it was no “Zootopia 2.”
“Zootopia 2” explores complicated issues like systemic racism, gentrification and historical revisionism — all in a way children can empathize with. Judy Hopps and Nick Wilde uncover the truth behind the first snake seen in years, and the message of inclusion is powerful. Hopps and Wilde elevate their characters from where we left them in “Zootopia” — another aspect of the film that the Academy seemed to have overlooked.
The startling lack of nominations for Hopps or Wilde as best lead actress or actor was a massive mistake going into the Oscars. The pair’s transformation from enemies to partners was beautiful to witness — one that no other pair could’ve achieved. Similarly, other cast members like Gary De’Snake, Nibbles Maplestick, and Pawbert Lynxley were all snubbed of best supporting nominations.
The lack of Oscars buzz for Gazelle’s hit single, “Zoo,” was another incredible misstep from the Academy. Keeping with the film’s theme of inclusivity, Gazelle brings a celebratory air, promoting the idea that “anyone can be anything.” The Best Original Song Oscar also went to “KPop Demon Hunters” for its chart-topping song “Golden.” The demon hunting K-pop band, Huntrix, may be successful now, but Gazelle’s hopeful tune is one that is sure to withstand the test of time.
The final, most egregious missing nomination for “Zootopia 2” was in the Best International feature film category. All of Zootopia was represented — from Tundratown to Marsh Market. Despite being Zootopia’s only film of 2025 to reach such box office success, the Academy chose not to highlight the film’s achievements. I hope this oversight in nominations will be corrected in the future, and more films will be brave enough to display the rich and unique culture of Zootopia as unfiltered as “Zootopia 2” did.
I understand that a film’s beauty or success doesn’t guarantee critical acclaim. However, the snubs “Zootopia 2” suffered were unprecedented. The film focuses on the wrongful exile of the reptilian population from Zootopia, which in turn brings up concerns over the Academy’s thoughts on the issue. The last reptile-led film to be acknowledged at the Oscars was “Rango” in 2011. After this year’s injustices, I believe it’s time to call the Academy out on its exclusion.
Going forward, the Academy Awards should work to recognize the more niche films like “Zootopia 2.” Years from now, when scholars revisit this awards season, no one will remember who won. Instead, people will remember how “Zootopia 2” was robbed. They may have left the ceremony empty-handed, but they will win the cultural conversation of how the Academy failed to recognize excellence.
