Ferdinand

(Blue Sky Studios | 20th Century Fox) Director: Carlos Saldanha Release Date: December 15, 2017 Synopsis: After being mistaken for a dangerous fighting bull, a peace-loving, flower-sniffing El Toro is taken away from his family to fight in the bullring. With help from a band of misfit friends, he strives to return home. The Word: Unpreviewed; the film is based upon the 1936 children’s book The Story of Ferdinand by Munro Leaf, which also inspired the 1938 Disney cartoon Ferdinand the Bull. The Blue Sky feature showcases bright Spanish backgrounds, a lively and eclectic voice cast, and delivers a powerful plea for inclusiveness and against hatred. Nomination Chances: Blue Sky director Carlos Saldanha is very well-respected thanks to his Ice Age and Rio franchise pedigree. The pro-diversity and antihate message of the film may resonate with audiences who are weary of the current political climate.