Usman Riaz’s groundbreaking animated film The Glassworker has achieved a historic milestone, making it to the list of eligible films for the 97th Academy Awards. Produced by Mano Animation Studios, this is Pakistan’s first-ever animated submission to the Oscars.
On Thursday, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences unveiled its list of eligible films for the prestigious awards in the Animated, Documentary, and International Feature categories. Among 31 contenders in the Animated Feature category and 85 in International Feature, The Glassworker stands tall, joining the ranks of globally celebrated films.
A Global Playing Field
In the Animated Feature category, The Glassworker is up against major titles like Pixar’s Inside Out 2, DreamWorks Animation’s The Wild Robot, Kung Fu Panda 4, and Despicable Me 4. The Japanese entry Kensuke’s Kingdom is also in the mix, adding more diversity to the field.
Meanwhile, the International Feature category sees The Glassworker competing with notable submissions like India’s Laapata Ladies by Kiran Rao and the Palestinian anthology film From Ground Zero, which brings together 22 directors to portray the ongoing turmoil in Gaza. Israel’s Come Closer, France’s Emilia Pérez, Germany’s The Seed of the Sacred Fig, and Brazil’s I’m Still Here are other heavyweights in this category.
Path to the Oscars
With eligibility criteria now met, The Glassworker is officially long-listed for the Oscars. The Academy will release shortlists for each category on December 17, narrowing the contenders ahead of the final nominations announcement on January 23, 2025. While Animated Features are evaluated by members of the Animation Branch, International Features require all Academy members to meet specific viewing requirements.
A Historic Moment for Pakistan
Set in a fictional world inspired by South Asian landscapes, The Glassworker is Pakistan’s first-ever hand-drawn animated film. It tells the story of Vincent, a young glassworker, and his evolving bond with Alliz, the daughter of a wealthy patron, as they navigate the challenges of war, love, and personal growth. The film’s stunning visuals, poignant storytelling, and evocative musical score, crafted by Riaz and his team, have won widespread acclaim.
This marks a significant step for Pakistan on the global cinematic stage, with The Glassworker carving a path for future creators in the country’s nascent animation industry. As anticipation builds for the shortlists and final nominations, all eyes remain on Usman Riaz’s masterpiece, which has already made history simply by being part of the race.
