'Flow' wins Latvia's first-ever Oscar

RIGA - Director Gints Zilbalodis' animated film "Flow" won the first Oscar in the history of Latvia at the U.S. Academy Awards ceremony in Los Angeles last night for best animated feature.

"Flow" was also nominated for best international feature film, but that Oscar went to the Brazilian film "I'm Still Here".

Upon receiving the award, Zilbalodis thanked his family, his team, his cat and his dog, and reminded us all that we are in the same boat and that we have to overcome our differences and find ways to work together.

"I'm really moved by the warm reception our film has had, and I hope that you'll open doors to independent animation filmmakers around the world," Zibalodis said accepting the award. "This is the first time a film from Latvia has ever been nominated. So it really means a lot to us and we hope to be back soon."

Speaking to reporters after receiving the award, Zilbalodis said he was very grateful and also very eager to return home. "I miss Latvia very much and I can't wait to make my next film," he said.

Zilbalodis received the award from Goldie Hawn and Andrew Garfield.

After "Flow" won the Oscar, host Conan O'Brien said that it was the first time a film from Latvia had ever been nominated or won an Academy Award. "Ball is in your court, Estonia," he joked.

In the best animated feature category, Zilbalodis' film competed with Hollywood big-budget films "Inside Out 2" and "The Wild Robot", Australian film "Memoir of a Snail", and "Wallace & Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl".