Academy Rules Coyote vs. Acme Oscar Eligible
The animated feature is now cleared for submission following its acquisition by Ketchup Entertainment.
Updated on Oct. 27, 2026 in Animation
Live Poll
Do you agree that movies featuring live actors and digital animation should qualify as animated films?
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has officially ruled that Coyote vs. Acme is eligible to compete for an animated feature Oscar. Distributor Ketchup Entertainment plans to submit the film for consideration at the 2027 awards ceremony.
Why it matters
The eligibility ruling marks a major milestone for the film, which was previously shelved by Warner Bros. in 2023. Securing this status allows the project to move forward in the competitive awards circuit despite its difficult production history.
Eligible animated features must contain at least 75% animation of the primary subjects throughout the film's runtime. The Academy typically selects five final nominees for the category, a process historically comparable to the 2023 cycle when Marcel the Shell with Shoes On earned a nomination.
The players
Ketchup Entertainment
This independent distributor acquired the film from Warner Bros. to bring it to audiences and facilitate its awards campaign.
Warner Bros.
This major studio originally produced the film before deciding to shelf the completed project in 2023.
Dave Green
He is the director responsible for the vision and production of the animated feature.
Samy Burch
She is the writer who penned the screenplay for the production.
Will Forte
He is a comedic actor and writer who stars in the film.
The details
Directed by Dave Green and written by Samy Burch, the movie features Will Forte and was acquired by Ketchup Entertainment after Warner Bros. opted not to release the completed project. Filmmakers are required to provide the Academy with specific documentation to demonstrate how their submission meets the technical animation standards.
Timeline
Warner Bros. shelved the completed film in 2023.
Marcel the Shell with Shoes On competed for an Oscar in 2023.
Gold Derby reported the film would not be submitted in August 2026.
The Academy ceremony for which the film is eligible takes place in 2027.
Industry Dynamics
The Academy's decision reflects a broader trend of acknowledging hybrid animation styles that previously struggled for recognition against traditional formats. This follows the path set by the 2023 Oscar nomination for Marcel the Shell with Shoes On regarding the inclusion of mixed-media features in the animated category.
The eligibility ruling confirms that the film will be positioned for a 2027 awards cycle, which may influence its eventual theatrical or streaming release strategy. Potential viewers can expect the film to participate in high-profile industry events as part of the campaign.
The takeaway
The recognition of this film demonstrates the increasing flexibility of award institutions when evaluating non-traditional animated projects. Audiences interested in awards season should keep an eye on upcoming distributor announcements to see how the project reaches theaters.
Further reading
For more on the current state of the film industry, see the latest Animation developments.
Live Poll
Do you agree that movies featuring live actors and digital animation should qualify as animated films?
