Following disappointment at Golden Globes and the Baftas, Cartoon Saloon's acclaimed animated movie Wolfwalkers has won Best Animated Feature at the PETA Oscats, an annual event celebrating outstanding achievements in animal advocacy through film.

In their citation, PETA, People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals, said of Wolfwalkers, "Thank you for challenging the toxic belief that humans are superior to other species and starting so many conversations about speciesism."

Wolfwalkers co-director Tomm Moore tweeted his delight at the news that the film had clinched a Golden Feline, saying, "This is the best award so far!!!!"

The charming 2D animated film from Kilkenny’s industrious Cartoon Saloon is in the running for a Best Animated Movie Oscar on April 25th and is also up for a host of other awards, including the 2021 Irish Animation Awards where it is nominated in seven categories.

Seven years in the making, Wolfwalkers is set in the Marble City during the Cromwellian conquest of Ireland and stars English actress Honor Kneasfy as Robyn Goodfellowe, a young apprentice hunter who journeys to Ireland with her father - and her falcon, Merlin - in a time of superstition and magic to wipe out the last wolf pack.

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While exploring the forbidden lands outside the city walls, she befriends a free-spirited girl, Mebh - Eva Whittaker, making her film debut - a member of a mysterious tribe rumoured to shape shift into wolves by night.

Wolfwalkers stars hear the call of the wild in Kilkenny

The Oscats mix traditional film award categories and other nominations unique to the ceremony, including Monkey Scene and Best Costume. Previous winners include Bradley Cooper, Black Panther, Natalie Portman, Tom Hanks, The Lion King, and Charlize Theron.

As well as Wolfwalkers other winners at the PETA Oscars on Wednesday included Mank for Best Monkey Scene, Best Costume: Pete Davidson's 'Hunt Mushrooms Not Animals’ Shirt in The King of Staten Island, and Best Bear Who Wasn’t There award for The Call of the Wild.

Alan Corr @CorrAlan2