The critically acclaimed anime film “The Colors Within” (きみの色, Kimi no Iro), directed by Naoko Yamada and animated by Science Saru, has received a nomination for Best Animated Film at the upcoming 2025 Seattle Film Critics Society (SFCS) Awards. This recognition adds to a growing list of accolades for the vibrant Japanese drama.
A Candidacy in a Competitive Field
“The Colors Within” will compete against a strong lineup of animated features for the prestigious SFCS Award. While the full list of animated film nominees for 2025 was released on December 5, 2025, the specific mention of “The Colors Within” confirms its place among the year’s best. Other films nominated in the Best Animated Film category for the 2025 SFCS Awards include “Arco,” “KPop Demon Hunters,” “Little Amélie or the Character of Rain,” and “Zootopia 2”. The winners of the 2025 Seattle Film Critics Society Awards are slated to be revealed on December 15, 2025.
Unpacking “The Colors Within”
Released in Japanese theaters on August 30, 2024, and later in North America with an English dub on January 24, 2025, “The Colors Within” tells the story of Totsuko, a high school student with the extraordinary ability to perceive people’s emotions as vivid colors. Her world is transformed when she encounters Kimi, a classmate whose aura radiates a stunning blue. This encounter leads Totsuko to form an impromptu band with Kimi and Rui, a quiet music enthusiast, bringing them together through their shared passion for music. The film, produced by the renowned studio Science Saru, is lauded for its unique premise and sensitive portrayal of adolescent self-discovery.
Visionary Direction by Naoko Yamada
The film is helmed by director Naoko Yamada, known for her distinctive visual style and emotionally resonant storytelling in works such as “A Silent Voice” and “Liz and the Blue Bird”. Yamada’s direction in “The Colors Within” has been praised for its luminous animation and insightful approach to characters grappling with their identities and aspirations. The screenplay was penned by veteran writer Reiko Yoshida, who has contributed to notable anime like “Violet Evergarden” and “K-ON!”. Kensuke Ushio, also known for his work on “A Silent Voice,” composed the music, further enriching the film’s emotional depth.
Critical Acclaim and Prior Honors
“The Colors Within” has enjoyed a positive reception from critics, with a 92% positive rating on Rotten Tomatoes. The consensus highlights its “kaleidoscopic celebration of human connection” and “exuberant” visual and auditory elements. Metacritic assigned the film a score of 76 out of 100, indicating “generally favorable” reviews.
Beyond the Seattle Film Critics Society nomination, the film has already garnered significant recognition:
- Golden Goblet Award for Best Animation Film: The film won this prestigious award at the 2024 Shanghai International Film Festival.
- Audience Award: It tied with “Memoir of a Snail” for the Audience Award at the 7th Animation Is Film Festival.
- Special Jury Prize: “The Colors Within” also secured the Special Jury Prize at the Animation Is Film festival.
- Crunchyroll Anime Awards Nomination: It was nominated for Film of the Year at the 9th Crunchyroll Anime Awards in 2025.
The film’s international releases began on August 30, 2024, in Japan, and it has since screened in various territories, with its North American premiere in January 2025. Its continued recognition by critics’ societies underscores its impact within the animated film landscape.
