Moana vs. Zootopia

With the Oscar's just a few weeks away, people are starting to ask questions:

Will the best animated film go to the charming and brave Polynesian pseudo-princess? 

Or will it go to the animal-filled film about another brave, yet significantly smaller female hero?

As many people would agree, it is not an easy choice. Both movies were acclaimed by critics and fans alike and did beyond well in the box office. Unlike The Hunger Games, Moana and Zootopia cannot threaten to eat poisonous berries at the same time to ensure that they both win.

Yeah I know. I wish they could both win too. Since the Oscar's won't let that happen, lets see who truly deserves it more. 

Moana

Similar to Frozen, Moana redefines what most people perceive as a typical Disney princess. While most expect a princess to be the beautiful woman in a ball gown searching for her prince charming, Moana emphasizes the strength and independence that women exercise in today's day and age. For starters, Moana is set to become the chief after her father steps down. This is particularly unlike Disney and popular media in general, where the men usually carry most of the power. Having a female inherit the title of chief is a large step towards breaking down gender barriers in movies. 

Some might present the point that inheriting a position is just luck, so Moana being set to inherit the title of chief doesn't mean she earned it. Well thats far from the truth. Moana is a brave warrior with just as much strength and courage as any man. When her island is in danger, she goes on a dangerous quest to save her people. *SPOILERS* Moana saves the day and proves that women can be heroes just the same as men. 

Zootopia

Now we have Zootopia. While this film also has a female protagonist, it takes a slight different spin on the struggles and obstacles the hero must take. Judy Hopps, a tiny rabbit on the police force breaks down more than just one level of discrimination. Judy Hopps is not only a female in a male-dominated profession, but she is the first rabbit to ever be on the police force, she is extremely outsized, and she just so happens to be prey. The theme of predator vs. prey is very important throughout the movie. Although this may seem like a normal theme for a movie about animals, it is not. The theme underlies the prevalent problems with racism in today's society. 

Judy Hopps, being a creature of prey (like African Americans, Hispanics, etc.) is discriminated against and not given equal opportunities. Moreover, the villain in the movie, a sheep by the name of Dawn Bellwether (who is not so coincidentally white) makes predators go "savage" with a drug. This creates a large amount of animosity and hatred towards the predators in their society. The predators lose their jobs, get put in jail, and are discriminated against on many grounds. *SPOILERS* In the end, Judy Hopps unfolds the master plan, and breaks down the social injustices against predators. 

So who's going to win?!

No matter what this isn't an easy call; both movies could rightfully take home the Oscar. However, while both movies prove to be modes for advocating social change, when it comes down to it Zootopia, while just as entertaining as Moana, dismantles more prejudices and biases. There it is. I think Zootopia is going to win. Even though its not exactly what Chris Rock was talking about last year, its a step towards destroying racism within the Oscars.