Toei Animation, along with directors Daisuke Nishio and Takashi Washio, are celebrating a significant milestone as their short anime film, “Magic Candies” (“Amedama”), has been nominated for Best Animated Short Film at the 97th Academy Awards. The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences made the announcement, marking a potentially historic moment for the renowned Japanese animation studio.
A Heartwarming Tale Gains Recognition
“Magic Candies” tells the story of Dong-Dong, a solitary young boy who prefers playing marbles alone in the park. His world transforms when he buys a bag of colorful, marble-shaped candies. He discovers that these are no ordinary sweets, as they grant him the ability to hear the voices of objects, animals, and people around him. This newfound ability opens up a world of unexpected conversations and fresh perspectives for Dong-Dong, ultimately reshaping his understanding of the world and his place within it.
From Korean Picture Book to Animated Short
The 21-minute short film is based on the acclaimed Korean picture book of the same name by Baek Hee-na. Takashi Washio, the producer of the film, was deeply moved by Baek Hee-na’s book. He was particularly captivated by the story’s unique premise of a child tasting a mysterious candy that allows him to hear the thoughts of objects, animals, and people. He also admired the unique clay animation-like art style that vividly brought the characters to life. This inspired him to create an animated film based on the enchanting story, combining “Magic Candies” with Baek Hee-na’s prequel, “I Am a Dog,” to create a more complete narrative. The film, which took four years to complete, beautifully captures the whimsical narrative and heartwarming message of the original story.
Premiere and Acclaim
“Magic Candies” made its world premiere at the New York International Children’s Film Festival in March 2024. It was screened as a double feature with the anime film “Rakudai Majo: Fūka to Yami no Majo (The Klutzy Witch: Fūka and the Dark Witch)”. The short has since garnered significant acclaim, including a nomination for the Grand Jury Prize at the 2024 AFI Fest and a nomination for Best Short Film at the London Film Festival.
Toei Animation’s Oscar Breakthrough?
The Oscar nomination is particularly significant as it potentially marks the first time Toei Animation could win an Academy Award. While the studio is a giant in the anime world, known for iconic franchises like “Dragon Ball,” “One Piece,” “Sailor Moon,” and “Saint Seiya,” an Oscar win would be a momentous achievement.
The Road to the Oscars
“Magic Candies” was initially shortlisted as one of 15 films eligible for the Best Animated Short Film Oscar. Its official nomination places it among the final contenders vying for the coveted award.
Other Nominees in the Category
“Magic Candies” faces stiff competition in the Best Animated Short Film category. The other nominees include:
- “Beautiful Men” (Nicolas Keppens)
- “In the Shadow of the Cypress” (Hossein Molayemi, Shirin Sohani)
- “Wander to Wonder” (Nina Gantz)
- “Yuck!” (Loïc Espuche)
The Creative Team Behind “Magic Candies”
The success of “Magic Candies” is attributed to the talented team involved in its creation:
- Director: Daisuke Nishio, known for his work on major anime franchises like “Dragon Ball” and “One Piece”.
- Original Story: Baek Hee-na, the Korean author of “Magic Candies” and “I Am a Dog”.
- Producer: Takashi Washio, a veteran producer with credits on “PreCure,” “Saint Seiya,” “Sailor Moon,” and “One Piece”.
- Screenwriter: Ichiro Takano
- Music: Naoki Sato
- Animation Production: Dandelion Animation Studio
A Story with Universal Appeal
The film’s synopsis highlights its heartwarming and thought-provoking nature: “Heartfelt and totally strange, Magic Candies will have you rethinking how you treat the objects, and others, in your life.” This universal message, combined with its unique visual style, has resonated with audiences and critics alike.
The Significance of the Nomination
The nomination of “Magic Candies” for an Oscar is not only a recognition of the film’s artistic merit but also a testament to the growing global appreciation for anime and animated storytelling. It highlights the ability of animation to transcend cultural boundaries and connect with audiences on an emotional level.
The 97th Academy Awards Ceremony
The 97th Academy Awards ceremony will be held on March 2nd at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood. The event will be televised live on ABC and broadcast to over 200 countries worldwide. Conan O’Brien will host the ceremony. The world will be watching to see if “Magic Candies” can bring home the gold for Toei Animation.
A Year of Animation Excellence
The 97th Academy Awards also feature other noteworthy nominations in the animation categories. “Inside Out 2” (Disney/Pixar), “The Wild Robot” (Universal/DreamWorks), “Flow” (Janus/Sideshow), “Memoir of a Snail” (IFC Films), and “Wallace & Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl” (Netflix/Aardman Animations) are competing for Best Animated Feature. “Flow” also secured a nomination in the International Feature Category, representing Latvia.
The Impact on Toei Animation
An Oscar win for “Magic Candies” would undoubtedly elevate Toei Animation’s profile on the international stage. It would not only recognize the studio’s artistic capabilities but also open doors for future collaborations and opportunities. For Daisuke Nishio and Takashi Washio, an Oscar would be a crowning achievement in their already illustrious careers.
The Broader Context of Anime at the Oscars
In recent years, anime has gained increasing recognition at the Academy Awards. Last year, Hayao Miyazaki’s “The Boy and the Heron” won Best Animated Feature, marking Miyazaki’s second win in the category after “Spirited Away” in 2003. This growing presence of anime at the Oscars reflects the global impact and artistic significance of Japanese animation.
