Dawn Images

Usman Riaz’s The Glassworker has made its way to the list of eligible films for the 97th Academy Awards.

The Academy released its list of eligible films for the 97th Oscars across the animated, documentary, and international feature categories on Thursday. The list includes a mix of major blockbusters and critically acclaimed projects, with entries from leading studios and independent creators.

Produced by Mano Animation Studios, The Glassworker is among 31 animated feature and 85 international feature contenders. This is a historic moment for Pakistan, given it is the country’s first animated submission to the Oscars.

As it meets the eligibility criteria, you can consider The Glassworker officially long-listed for the awards. Shortlists for the categories will be announced on December 17, narrowing the list ahead of the final nominations on January 23, 2025.

The nominees for each category are determined by a rigorous voting process: for Animated Features, members of the Academy’s Animation Branch evaluate submissions, while International Features require Academy members from all branches to meet specific viewing criteria.

In the animation feature category, the film is listed alongside animation powerhouses such as Pixar’s Inside Out 2, which has already made waves as the highest-grossing animated movie of all time, and DreamWorks Animation’s The Wild Robot.

Other notable entries in this category include Kung Fu Panda 4, Despicable Me 4, and the Japanese contender Kensuke’s Kingdom.

In the International Feature category, The Glassworker joins films from 84 other countries, including India’s Laapata Ladies, directed by Kiran Rao.

Palestinian submission From Ground Zero has also made it to the list. A 2024 anthology film directed by 22 different Palestinian directors, From Ground Zero is made up of 22 short films, including documentaries, fiction, animation and experimental films about the situation in Gaza as Israel continues its assault. The same list includes Israel’s submission Come Closer.

This year’s competition also includes critically acclaimed works such as France’s Emilia Pérez, Germany’s The Seed of the Sacred Fig, and Brazil’s I’m Still Here.

The Glassworker, Pakistan’s first hand-drawn animated film, is set in a fictional world inspired by South Asian landscapes. The film follows the life of Vincent, a young glassworker, and his evolving relationship with Alliz, the daughter of one of his patrons. As they grow older, they find their personal and professional lives tested by the shadow of war and the complexities of human emotions. The film has been lauded for its stunning artistry, heartfelt storytelling, and musical score, all meticulously crafted by Riaz and his team.