In Guillermo del Toro’s Pinocchio, Netflix Achieves a Historic Oscar Victory
Guillermo del Toro’s adaptation of the classic fairy tale Pinocchio made history when Netflix earned its first Oscar for best animated feature. The award, presented at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles, recognized Del Toro’s collaboration with Mark Gustafson as producers and co-directors, highlighting a stop‑motion achievement that has resonated with audiences across North America. The ceremony, hosted by Jimmy Kimmel, drew viewers from the United States and Canada who have long followed Netflix’s bold investments in animated cinema and international storytelling.
A triumph of artisanal craft, Pinocchio stands alongside other remarkable stop‑motion projects that have shaped contemporary animation. These include Pixar’s Red, DreamWorks’ Puss in Boots: The Last Wish, Netflix’s The Sea Monster, and Marcel the Shell with Shoes On, each underscoring the enduring appeal of meticulous, frame‑by‑frame animation. In North American markets, these titles sparked conversations about the artistry and technical skill involved in bringing tactile, tangible worlds to life on screen.
“Animation is cinema, not merely a genre for kids; it’s a powerful language that can elevate storytelling to new levels,” Del Toro conveyed as he accepted the award. In a moment of personal tribute, he dedicated the honor to his wife, children, and family, reinforcing the emotional resonance that underpins many celebrated animated features. The win also reinforced Netflix’s reputation as a home for ambitious, artist‑driven projects that push the boundaries of what animation can achieve on a global stage. The moment resonated beyond the theatre, fueling conversations about streaming’s role in elevating animated storytelling for audiences in Canada, the United States, and beyond.
All the winners of Oscar 2023 showcased a blend of innovation and tradition, with Pinocchio by Guillermo del Toro standing out as a defining achievement. The film further collected a British BAFTA in its category, a Critics’ Choice Award, and a Golden Globe for best animated feature, among other recognitions. Additionally, it earned five Annie Awards, highlighting the animation community’s acknowledgment of its technical craftsmanship, narrative depth, and creative vision. This sweep positioned Del Toro’s project as a standout chapter in the broader arc of modern animated cinema, where artistry and technology meet to create enduring cultural moments.
The success of Pinocchio marks the continuation of Del Toro’s influential career, a journey marked by a string of high‑profile wins that have shaped the landscape of contemporary fantasy and animation. His earlier work and distinct storytelling approach laid the groundwork for a new generation of creators who blend traditional stop‑motion artistry with contemporary cinematic sensibilities. For fans in Canada and the United States, the film’s achievement signals a broader openness in mainstream awards circles to non‑live‑action perspectives and international collaboration, reinforcing the idea that masterful animation can command the same reverence as live‑action features.