“The Wild Robot” is the only film among the 30 nominated for this year’s Academy Awards that addresses the ecological crises facing the planet, according to a study by the nonprofit firm Good Energy. This organization developed a “Climate Change Reality Check” scoring system to evaluate movies based on two criteria: whether the story acknowledges the existence of climate change and if there’s at least one character aware of it. This method was created to inspire creativity while providing measurable insights.
Out of the 30 nominated films, only 10 were eligible for assessment. “The Wild Robot,” directed by Chris Sanders, has garnered acclaim including an Oscar nomination for Best Animated Feature. The film tells the story of a robot that, after becoming stranded on an island, adopts a gosling and reflects concerns about rising sea levels and extreme weather conditions.
Anna Jane Joyner, founder of Good Energy, emphasizes the need for narratives that inspire resilience in the face of the climate crisis, praising “The Wild Robot” for its exploration of community in uncertain times. Other nominated films like “Flow,” “Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes,” and “Dune: Part Two” have also touched on climate themes.
The study highlights the evolving representation of climate change in movies, moving beyond narratives dominated by superheroes and environmental destruction. Last year, three films—“Barbie,” “Mission: Impossible — Dead Reckoning Part One,” and “Nyad”—passed the inaugural Climate Change Reality Check test. Good Energy aims to collaborate with Hollywood to raise public awareness about climate issues.
