[Watch] Netflix Releases Full Oscar-Nominated Science Fantasy Film For Free

Image via Nimona / IMDb

Netflix is laser-focused on driving hype for its Academy Award-nominated gem, Nimona, ahead of the film’s big night at the Oscars, where it’s been nominated for Best Animated Feature. Voiced by Chloë Grace Moretz, Nimona is a shapeshifter who joins forces with a knight, voiced by Riz Ahmed, to clear his name after he’s wrongfully accused of a crime.

The one-and-a-half-hour movie has already made waves at the Annie Awards, bagging accolades for both writing and voice acting, out of its nine nominations. Nimona also earned nods at the GLAAD Media Awards.

Directed by Nick Bruno and Troy Quane, Nimona, released on the streaming platform on June 30, 2023, is adapted from ND Stevenson’s 2015 graphic novel and is set in a world that blends medieval elements with science fantasy. Its stellar cast includes Eugene Lee Yang, Frances Conroy, Lorraine Toussaint, and RuPaul.

Ballister Boldheart is on the cusp of achieving his lifelong dream of knighthood alongside Ambrosius Goldenloin, his fellow knight and partner, when disaster strikes. A tragic accident during their knighting ceremony leads to the death of Queen Valerin, and Ballister is left disfigured and branded a murderer. Enter Nimona, a young shapeshifter who, despite facing her own battles against persecution, sees the injustice in Ballister’s fall from grace. Together, they embark on a quest filled with adventure, humor, and heart, aiming to unveil the real culprit.

The project faced its share of real-world hurdles. Initially spearheaded by Blue Sky Studios, it was shelved following Disney’s acquisition of 21st Century Fox and the subsequent closure of Blue Sky. Fortunately, Annapurna Pictures stepped in to breathe new life into the film, with Netflix securing worldwide distribution rights. Nimona’s premiere at the Annecy International Animation Film Festival was just the beginning of its successful run, culminating in its release on Netflix and now, for free on YouTube.

While the movie almost didn’t get off the ground, it will now reach as many viewers as possible in the leadup to the Oscars on March 10. Watch it in its entirety here.

[via Digital Spy and Mashable, cover image via Nimona / IMDb]