Pixar’s “Elio” Soars with Oscar Nomination, Driven by CalArts Talent
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Pixar’s latest animated feature, “Elio,” has received a nomination for Best Animated Feature at the 98th Academy Awards, announced on Thursday, marking a high point in a successful awards season for the film. The nomination underscores the growing recognition of a project helmed by a team with strong ties to the California Institute of the Arts.
A Strong Awards Season for “Elio”
The Oscar nomination is the latest accolade for “Elio,” which has already garnered attention from several prominent awards bodies. The film was previously nominated for Best Motion Picture – Animated at the 2026 Golden Globe Awards and secured an impressive 10 nominations at the Annie Awards, including a nod for Best Animated Feature. A Critics Choice Award nomination for Best Animated Feature further solidifies its position as a frontrunner in the animation category.
From Personal Story to Pixar Blockbuster
“Elio” originated from the vision of Adrian Molina, who initially conceived the story as a deeply personal narrative shaped by his experiences with solitude during his childhood. Molina drew inspiration from his upbringing on a military base and the strong sense of community he later discovered at CalArts. However, Molina transitioned to lead work on “Coco 2” midway through the project, paving the way for Madeline Sharafian and Domee Shi to take the helm as lead directors.
Molina’s nearly two-decade career at Pixar is marked by significant contributions to beloved animated films. He served as a 2D animator on “Ratatouille,” held story roles on “Toy Story 3” and “Monsters University,” and notably co-wrote and co-directed the Academy Award–winning “Coco.” Sharafian’s journey at Pixar began as a story artist, culminating in her directorial debut with the 2020 short film “Burrow.” She also contributed story work to “Turning Red” and “Onward.” Shi is widely celebrated for directing “Bao,” which earned the Academy Award for Best Animated Short.
CalArts Influence and Emerging Talent
The connection to CalArts extends beyond the directorial team. The filmmaking team behind “KPop Demon Hunters,” also nominated in the Best Animated Feature category, visited the institute in fall 2025 as part of the Character Animation Program’s Friday Night Talk series. During the visit, they engaged with students, sharing insights into the film’s development and creative process. This engagement highlights the ongoing relationship between industry professionals and the next generation of animators at CalArts.
Viewing the 98th Academy Awards
The 98th Academy Awards ceremony will be held on Sunday, March 15, at the Dolby Theatre at Ovation Hollywood. The event will be broadcast live on ABC and streamed live on Hulu, offering audiences multiple avenues to witness the celebration of cinematic achievement.
For a complete list of nominations, visit www.oscars.org/oscars/ceremonies/2026.
