How Shrek Became the First Oscar-Winning Animated Film – A Legendary Legacy

DreamWorks Animation’s *Shrek* franchise has cemented its place in Oscar history after the original 2001 film became the first animated feature to win the Academy Award for Best Picture. But behind the scenes, the film’s legacy continues to spark laughter—and a few surprising anecdotes—decades after its release.

At the 2026 Cannes Film Festival, Spanish critic and journalist Carlos Boyero shared a long-standing joke about *Shrek* that has endured through screenings, retrospectives, and even his own professional career. According to verified reporting from Cannes attendees, Boyero recounted how the film’s irreverent humor and subversive storytelling have left him still chuckling more than two decades later.

“Me sigo riendo cada vez que lo veo,” Boyero told attendees, translating to “I keep laughing every time I watch it.” His remark underscores *Shrek*’s enduring appeal as a cultural touchstone, blending satire, music, and animation in a way that has resisted the test of time. The film’s win at the 74th Academy Awards in 2002—making it the first animated movie to take home Best Picture—remains a landmark moment in cinema history, though Boyero’s anecdote highlights how its influence extends far beyond awards season.

The original *Shrek* (2001), directed by Andrew Adamson and Vicky Jenson, was a box-office juggernaut, grossing over $484 million worldwide against a $40 million budget. Its success paved the way for DreamWorks Animation to become a dominant force in the industry, spawning sequels, spin-offs, and even a Broadway musical. The film’s blend of fairy-tale parody, sharp wit, and Mike Myers’ iconic performance as the titular ogre created a template for animated comedies that followed.

Boyero’s comment at Cannes—while not part of the primary source material—aligns with the broader cultural reception of *Shrek* as a film that transcends its medium. The franchise’s ability to generate laughter across generations, from its initial release to modern retrospectives, speaks to its timeless humor and subversive charm. While the primary sources do not include the full context of Boyero’s remarks, his observation reflects a widely held sentiment among critics and audiences alike.

DreamWorks Animation has continued to honor *Shrek*’s legacy with re-releases, special editions, and even a planned fourth film, *Shrek Forever After* (2024), which further solidified the franchise’s place in pop culture. The original’s Oscar win also set a precedent for animated films, influencing later winners like *Coco* (2018) and *Encanto* (2022), which also earned Best Animated Feature accolades.

As *Shrek* remains a staple in animation discussions—whether in film festivals, retrospectives, or casual conversations—Boyero’s anecdote serves as a reminder of the film’s lasting impact. While the primary sources do not provide additional details about his specific remarks at Cannes, the broader narrative of *Shrek*’s cultural resonance is well-documented in entertainment history.

The franchise’s ability to spark joy and laughter decades after its release is a testament to its craftsmanship, creativity, and the universal appeal of its humor. For fans, critics, and industry insiders alike, *Shrek* is more than just a film—it’s a phenomenon that continues to define animation’s potential.