Pixar’s Inside Out 2 continued the groundbreaking legacy of its predecessor by blending imaginative storytelling with deep emotional insight, tackling adolescent challenges such as anxiety, social pressures, and identity with unprecedented sensitivity for an animated feature. Released in 2024, the film garnered widespread critical acclaim, accompanied by an impressive slate of awards and nominations across major film institutions and guilds throughout 2024 and 2025.
This article provides a comprehensive exploration of the accolades Inside Out 2 achieved, highlighting its recognition at the Academy Awards, Annie Awards, BAFTA, critics’ circles, and other prestigious platforms. We also reflect on what these honors indicate about the film’s cultural significance and creative excellence.
Academy Awards (Oscars) 2025: Best Animated Feature Nomination
Arguably the most prestigious accolade for any film, Inside Out 2 received a nomination for Best Animated Feature at the 97th Academy Awards held in March 2025. This nomination recognized the film’s artistic achievement in animation, storytelling depth,
and its courageous approach to depicting adolescent mental health issues with authenticity.
The nominated producers, Mark Nielsen and Kelsey Mann,
accepted praise for continuing the tradition of innovative animation combined with meaningful, family-accessible messages. Although the film did not win the coveted Oscar,
its nomination placed it firmly among the elite animated films of its time.
Annie Awards 2025: Multiple Nominations Across Categories
The 52nd Annie Awards, the premier award ceremony focused exclusively on animation,
heavily favored Inside Out 2. The film received numerous nominations, including:
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Best Animated Feature Film
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Outstanding Achievement for Character Animation
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Outstanding Character Design in an Animated Feature
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Outstanding Editorial Achievement
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Outstanding Production Design
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Outstanding Voice Acting (Maya Hawke for Anxiety)
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Outstanding Writing
These nominations emphasize the film’s extensive excellence, acknowledging the teamwork spanning animation, voice talent, editing, design, and screenplay. The Annie Awards recognize not only popular appeal but technical and creative mastery, reflecting Pixar’s ongoing industry leadership.
BAFTA Recognition: Best Animated Film Nominee
The British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA) nominated Inside Out 2 for Best Animated Film in their awards ceremony in February 2025,
underscoring its international resonance and critical acclaim beyond the United States.
The BAFTA nomination reflects Pixar’s ability to produce globally relevant content that speaks across diverse cultures and languages while maintaining artistic excellence.
Critics’ Circle and Guild Nominations
Inside Out 2 garnered praise from influential film critics’ organizations, receiving nominations and awards in categories including Best Animated Feature and Voice Performance. Notable recognitions include:
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Critics’ Choice Movie Awards: Best Animated Feature nomination
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Houston Film Critics Society: Best Animated Feature nomination
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Chicago Film Critics Association: Best Animated Film nomination
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San Francisco Bay Area Film Critics Circle: Best Animated Feature nomination
Maya Hawke and Amy Poehler earned nods from various guilds and critics for their voice performances, enhancing the film’s human connection and emotional authenticity.
Additional Special Awards and Honors
Beyond traditional categories, Inside Out 2 won the NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Animated Motion Picture, reflecting its cultural impact and representation.
Musically, composer Andrea Datzman received accolades including the David Raksin Award for Emerging Talent, recognizing the soundtrack’s importance in conveying complex emotions.
The film was also recognized for sound mixing, editing,
and artistic visual effects by technical guilds and associations, highlighting the comprehensive craftsmanship involved.
Behind-the-Scenes Talent: Recognition of Creative Vision
The array of nominations showcases the dedication of the creative team. Writers Meg LeFauve and Dave Holstein were acknowledged for crafting a narrative full of humor, heart,
and honesty about adolescent challenges. Animators, editors, and designers contributed to translating these emotional experiences into compelling visuals.
Voice artists, led by Maya Hawke as Anxiety and Amy Poehler as Joy,
brought these emotions to life with nuanced performances that deeply resonated with viewers and critics alike.
Legacy and the Road Ahead: Prospects for Inside Out 3
Following its award season successes, discussions around Inside Out 3 have been hinted at by the creative team, fueled by the sequel’s critical and commercial momentum. The wealth of nominations and accolades sets a promising backdrop for future installments,
further expanding the franchise’s emotional storytelling.
Read More: Inside Out 2 Box Office Earnings in 2024: A Remarkable Success Story
Conclusion: Celebrating a New Benchmark in Animated Storytelling
The breadth and depth of awards and nominations accumulated by Inside Out 2 testify to its role as a landmark animated film combining artistic distinction, social relevance, and emotional resonance. These recognitions affirm Pixar’s place at the forefront of animation while encouraging broader engagement with mental health and emotional literacy themes.
For audiences and industry professionals alike, Inside Out 2 represents a pivotal chapter in the evolution of animated cinema—one that values both entertainment and empathy
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