Arco director links his Best Animated Feature nominee to this bizarre video
Polygon
by Brian VanHookerFebruary 20, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Academy Award-nominated *Arco* has drawn attention for its striking animated visuals, which were partially inspired by a 2015 music video. The film follows Iris, a young girl living in a dystopian 2075 where technology dominates and environmental disasters like wildfires are rampant. After meeting Arco, a time-traveling boy from the future who uses a rainbow cape to navigate through time, Iris’s life transforms for the better. Directed by Ugo Bienvenu, whose earlier work includes short films and music videos, *Arco* showcases his unique painterly style.
In a recent featurette shared with Polygon via distributor Neon, it was revealed that one of Bienvenu’s past projects—a music video for Jabberwocky’s “Fog”—directly influenced the film’s visuals. This connection highlights howBienvenu’s earlier work laid the foundation for *Arco*’s artistic acclaim. The link between the music video and the feature-length film underscores the importance of visual experimentation in animation.
For readers interested in gaming, this story matters because it demonstrates how visual styles can evolve across different mediums, including gaming. *Arco*’s success shows that bold, experimental artistry can captivate audiences and earn critical acclaim. The film’s vibrant, dynamic visuals and narrative themes of technology and environmentalism align with trends seen in modern video games, where storytelling and aesthetics play a crucial role. This crossover between animation and gaming highlights the growing influence of visual innovation across entertainment mediums, making *Arco* an intriguing case study for creators and fans alike.
Verticals
gamingentertainment
Originally published on Polygon on 2/20/2026