The 2024 Oscars ceremony was a star-studded night filled with awards, emotional speeches, and of course, a few jokes. However, one joke in particular landed host Jimmy Kimmel in hot water with animation fans.

During the ceremony, Jimmy Kimmel presented the award for Best Animated Feature. Before announcing the nominees, he made a comment that rubbed many viewers the wrong way. Kimmel said, “This next award goes to… an animated film! No, not really. But seriously, here are the nominees for Best Animated Feature.”

The Internet Reacts: Animation Isn’t Just for Kids!

Kimmel‘s joke sparked immediate backlash on social media, with many users criticizing his outdated view of animation. Anime fans were particularly vocal in their defense of the genre, which often deals with mature themes and complex narratives.

Here are some of the reactions on Twitter:

• “Come on Jimmy Kimmel, we’ve had anime for decades now!”
• “There are more Oscar-worthy animated films than live-action every year these days.”
• “My childhood of watching Studio Ghibli movies feels attacked right now.”

The criticism wasn’t limited to anime fans. Many viewers pointed out that there are countless animated films that are not aimed at children. They mentioned classics like Spirited Away, Waltz with Bashir, and Persepolis, all of which have garnered critical acclaim and awards recognition.

A Long History of Acclaimed Animated Films

Animation has a long and rich history, dating back to the early days of cinema. While many early cartoons were indeed aimed at children, the art form has evolved considerably over the years. Today, animation is a versatile medium that can be used to tell stories of all genres, from comedies and dramas to historical epics and science fiction adventures.

Here are some examples of highly-regarded animated films that are not for children:

• The Lion King (1994): This Disney classic deals with themes of loss, responsibility, and betrayal.
• Spirited Away (2001): This Japanese masterpiece explores the complexities of childhood and the spirit world.
• Waltz with Bashir (2008): This Israeli documentary film uses animation to tell the story of the director’s experiences during the Lebanon War.
• Persepolis (2007): This French-Iranian animated film is a powerful coming-of-age story set against the backdrop of the Iranian Revolution.
• A Silent Voice (2016): This Japanese film tackles the difficult subject of bullying and suicide.

These are just a few examples of the many animated films that have been praised for their artistic merit and storytelling. Animation is a powerful tool that can be used to entertain, educate, and provoke thought.

Jimmy Kimmel Responds to the Controversy

In the days following the Oscars ceremony, Jimmy Kimmel addressed the controversy surrounding his joke. Jimmy Kimmel apologized on his late-night talk show, stating that he meant no disrespect to the art of animation or the fans who love it.

Jimmy Kimmel said, “I love animation. I grew up watching Looney Tunes and Scooby-Doo. I apologize if my joke came across as dismissive of a whole art form. There are incredible animated films out there for all ages.”

Why Does This Matter?

Kimmel’s joke may have been intended as a harmless quip, but it highlights a larger issue. Animation is often seen as a lesser art form compared to live-action films. This perception is outdated and does a disservice to the many talented filmmakers working in animation today.

The backlash against Kimmel’s joke shows that animation fans are passionate about their favorite medium. They are demanding that animation be taken seriously and recognized for its achievements.

Hopefully, this incident will spark a conversation about the importance of animation and its place in cinema. Animated films can be just as entertaining and thought-provoking as live-action films, and they deserve the same level of respect and recognition.