The Donkey Sanctuary has welcomed the news that the film EO has been nominated for an Oscar.

The film, directed by Jerzy Skolimowski, tells the story of a donkey born in a Polish circus, and follows its life and its treatment by different owners.

It has been nominated for Best International Feature Film in this year’s Academy Awards, to be presented on March 12.

Faith Burden, Executive Director of Equine Operations at The Donkey Sanctuary, said: “The feature film EO is beautifully shot and offers a rare opportunity to view the world from a donkey’s perspective. 

“The portrayal and billing of the donkey as the central character clearly demonstrates the film-maker’s deep appreciation of these sensitive and intelligent animals.” 

The Donkey Sanctuary has also welcomed the success of another film, The Banshees of Inisherin. It features a donkey as the animal companion of the leading character played by Colin Farrell, who won a Golden Globe for Best Actor. 

A spokesman for The Donkey Sanctuary said: “Here at The Donkey Sanctuary we know how amazing donkeys are, but this long-overdue moment in the spotlight presents an opportunity to elevate the status of donkeys in the public eye, and to shine a light on the plight of donkeys around the world.”