Animation
Neon Sets January U.S. Release for Acclaimed Animated Film ‘Arco’
Following a successful awards-qualifying run in November, Neon has officially locked in a January 2026 theatrical rollout for Natalie Portman-produced ‘Arco,’ the critically acclaimed animated feature from French artist-turned-director Ugo Bienvenu. The visually arresting, hand-drawn sci-fi fantasy will debut in New York City and Los Angeles on January 23, before expanding nationwide on January 30.
Already hailed as one of the most distinctive animated films of the year, Arco arrives in U.S. theaters with strong awards momentum and growing Oscar buzz.
Neon Unveils Teaser Trailer for Ugo Bienvenu’s Award-Winning Animated Fantasy Arco
From Cannes to Annecy: An Award-Season Favorite
Arco first premiered at the 2025 Cannes Film Festival, where it quickly emerged as a standout among international animated features. Its awards include the Annecy International Animation Film Festival, where it won the prestigious Cristal for Best Feature Film and the SACEM Award for Best Soundtrack.
Since then, the film has been named Best Animated Feature by the National Board of Review and earned nominations from the Golden Globe Awards, Critics Choice Awards, and European Film Awards. Notably, Arco is also in contention for Best European Film and the European Young Audience Award, underscoring its cross-generational appeal.
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A Timely Sci-Fi Story With Heart
At its core, Arco tells an intimate yet urgent story. The film follows a 10-year-old boy from a peaceful, distant future who accidentally travels back to the year 2075, only to find Earth on the brink of collapse. As Arco befriends a young girl named Iris, the two children—joined by Iris’ robot caretaker Mikki—embark on a race against time to send Arco home.
Along the way, their bond becomes central to a larger mission: saving the planet itself. The film blends environmental themes, emotional storytelling, and time-travel fantasy into a narrative that resonates with both younger audiences and adults.
Star-Studded Voice Cast and Creative Team
The English-language version of Arco boasts an impressive voice cast led by Natalie Portman, Mark Ruffalo, America Ferrera, Will Ferrell, Andy Samberg, and Flea, with Juliano Krue Valdi voicing the titular character.
Bienvenu directs and co-writes the film alongside Félix de Givry, who also produces through Remembers. Portman and Sophie Mas serve as producers under their banner mountainA, lending additional prestige to the project.
As awards season intensifies, Arco stands out not just for its accolades, but for its hand-drawn artistry, emotionally grounded storytelling, and global perspective. With Neon backing its U.S. release, the film is positioned to reach a wider audience—and potentially secure a major place in animation history.
