Jimmy Kimmel's recent joke about animation and anime movies being only for children, made during the Oscars 2024, has sparked backlash from anime fans defending the genre.
Kimmel's quip came before announcing the Best Animated Feature category, where Hayao Miyazaki's "The Boy and The Heron" won an Oscar.
The comedian's opening zinger drew criticism on social media, with anime enthusiasts expressing frustration over the stereotype that dismisses animated films as exclusively for children. The winning film, "The Boy and The Heron," delves into themes of grief and death, challenging the notion that animated works are solely kid-friendly.
Kimmel's specific comment at the Oscars was, "Next is the Animated Feature categories. Please raise your hand if you let your kid fill out this part of the ballot."
Anime fans swiftly responded, expressing discontent with the recurring stereotype.
One social media user commented, "Sigh*. Every year it's the same dumb crap. #Oscar." Another defended the winning anime, stating, "AND THEN THE BOY AND THE HERON WON LIKE THAT ISN'T A KIDS MOVIE. It's appropriate for children but a lot of the themes are better understood by adults."
While some defended Kimmel, attributing the joke to criticism of the Academy rather than mocking the animation medium, the incident has reignited discussions about the need for greater sensitivity and understanding of the diverse themes addressed in animated films.
Hayao Miyazaki secured his second Oscar for "The Boy and The Heron," previously winning for "Spirited Away." The film, set during World War II, explores the journey of a 12-year-old boy, Mahito Maki, navigating grief after losing his mother. The storyline, although animated, intricately tackles profound and mature themes characteristic of Studio Ghibli's storytelling.