Jenny Slate wins Critics Choice Award for ‘Marcel the Shell’, announces pregnancy & new book. Voice of Hindi Zootopia’s Bellwether. Latest updates here.
Headline: Jenny Slate Wins for Shell Film, Expecting Baby
Introduction:
Comedian-actress Jenny Slate is dominating headlines with a double celebration. Fresh off winning a Critics Choice Award for her beloved stop-motion film Marcel the Shell with Shoes On, Slate announced her first pregnancy. The viral sensation, known to Indian audiences as Disney’s Hindi Bellwether, balances indie acclaim with major life milestones.
Career High: Marcel’s Award Triumph
Slate, 42, won Best Animated Feature at the June 2024 Critics Choice Awards for Marcel the Shell, which she co-created, wrote, and voiced. The film, a viral YouTube sensation turned Oscar-nominated hit, earned ₹5.2 crore ($625K) in India. Slate called it “a love letter to finding joy in small things” during her acceptance speech.
Pregnancy Announcement & Personal Joy
Days after her win, Slate revealed her pregnancy on The Tonight Show. “My husband [artist Ben Shattuck] and I are expecting this winter,” she shared, sparking social media congratulations. This marks her first child, coming a decade after her breakout role in Obvious Child tackled pregnancy themes with humor and heart.
Voice of India: Hindi Bellwether & More
Indian audiences recognize Slate’s voice as Shiksha (Bellwether) in the Hindi dub of Disney’s Zootopia (streaming on Disney+ Hotstar). Her other notable voice roles include:
- Tammy Larsen in The Great North (Disney+ Hotstar)
- Missy Foreman-Greenwald in Big Mouth (Netflix India)
- Harley Quinn in Lego Batman Movie
From SNL to Acclaimed Author
Slate’s career spans bold comedy and poignant storytelling:
- Saturday Night Live alum (2009-2010 season)
- Starred in Parks and Recreation, Gifted (with Chris Evans)
- Author of essay collection Little Weirds (2020)
Her upcoming book Lifeform (Jan 2025) explores motherhood and creativity, timed with her baby’s arrival.
Why India Cares: Relatable Stardom
Slate’s blend of quirky humor and emotional authenticity resonates with young Indian viewers:
- Indie appeal: Mirrors rising popularity of alternative Indian comics like Sumukhi Suresh
- Body positivity: Openly discusses rejecting Hollywood size standards
- Creative range: Bridges voice acting, stand-up, and literature – much like Vir Das
What’s Next for Slate?
With Marcel sequel talks underway, a new book release, and motherhood ahead, Slate’s 2025 promises creative expansion. Industry tracker Variety notes she’s developing a TV series adapting Little Weirds, aiming to capture its whimsical vulnerability.
Conclusion
Jenny Slate’s award win and pregnancy news highlight her unique career – oscillating between viral whimsy and profound personal storytelling. For Indian fans, her voice roles offer familiar comfort, while her indie success parallels India’s own creators pushing boundaries beyond mainstream tropes. As she steps into motherhood and new creative ventures, Slate continues redefining Hollywood’s comedy landscape.