From the look of most headlines and top stories on our fellow industry websites- the big talk of today was certainly the announcement of this year’s Oscar nominations for Best Animated Feature. A whopping 20 titles make the list:
(Incase you missed the List!)
- Alvin and the Chipmunks (The Squeakquel)
- Astro Boy
- Battle For Terra
- Cloudy With a Chance Of Meatballs
- Coraline
- Disney’s A Christmas Carol
- The Dolphin: Story of a Dreamer
- The Fantastic Mr. Fox
- Ice Age: Dawn of the Dianosaurs
- Mary and Max
- The Missing Lynx
- Monsters vs Aliens
- 9
- Planet 51
- Ponyo
- The Princess and the Frog
- The Seceret of Kells
- Tinker Bell and the Lost Treasure
- A Town Called Panic
- Up
Including a few of these titles on the list for possible nominations seems a little desperate. I could do without The Chipmunks, Meatballs, Monsters and Aliens myself, but as stated on the Variety article- “Under the rules of the Academy of Motion Pictures & Sciences, there must be at least 16 eligible films in a year to expand to five noms”
I happened to enjoy a number of those on the list, and have been looking forward to catching a few more awaiting release.
With most predictions on Up stealing the prize (an outcome I’d be more than pleased with), I won’t be surpirsed to see Mr. Fox, Ponyo or Disney’s return to hand-drawn animation, The Princess and the Frog snuggle close as threatening contenders.
Predictions?
This many eligible films means there will be five nominations instead of just three. So yay for that! There was a ton of great animation (and a lot of variety in animation) this year – hopefully they’ll include some off-the-wall choices like A Town Called Panic instead of staying safe with a ballot like Up/Monsters vs. Aliens/Cloudy/Ice Age/Princess and the Frog. BTW, if that lineup I just said happens, I will throw a major tantrum. Just be prepared.
A more interesting ballot: Up/Coraline/Fantastic Mr. Fox/9/A Town Called Panic. Of course, that would be a ballot focused more on adult animation, which won’t (and honestly probably shouldn’t) happen. But at least a couple of adult-skewing films would be fantastic, since there were so many this year.
Zero absolutely ZERO chance for A Town Called Panic to be nominated. It is fun enough for its short run time though.
My guesses for the 5 animated nominations:
Fantastic Mr. Fox
Coraline
Ponyo
Up
Princess & The Frog.
Of course there is chance that Up will be in Best Picture Oscar contention with the expansion to 10 choices. I expect Up to win, but Frog or Fox have an outside chance. I doubt that Ponyo will Miyazaki his second Oscar though, and there is even a chance that it will not be nominated…but it really should, the film is gorgeous and is a good story also.
I missed A Town Called Panic at the TIFF, but have seen enough of it online to agree that with its awesome stop motion animation and sometimes substance-required comedy.. it’d be a bold addition to the ballot.
I’d like to avoid hearing the Ice Age sequel, Meatballs and Monsters/Aliens mentioned when calling the nominees… these films are no where near the powerful pleasure that comes from animated magic like The Lion King- which was a nominated Best Feature its year.
I’m excited for the Frog Princess soundtrack, a lot of great highlights in the trailer reminded me a little bit of the Genie’s “Friend Like Me” with a fresh Creole vibe.
I agree with the line up Kurt.
Panic is only a shade above 70 minutes, and runs out of steam at about the 50 minute mark. It’s charming and loud and silly and sweet.
The Princess and the Frog is the first disney movie I’ve been interested in in a long time. I hope it is not too snarky or self-aware and plays is straight and tries to avoid the cheap laughs which have dominated Disneys animated work for quite a while now.
I agree there’s no chance that Town Called Panic will be nominated. I saw it at AFI and loved it, but it’s just too out-there for Oscar. But it would sure make for an interesting nomination, wouldn’t it?
Honestly, the Czech film I reviewed a few days ago from AFI would be a more believable foreign stop-motion choice for Oscar than Town Called Panic, but it’s not being released this year.
tougher year than usual. There’s usually only 3 noms each year though. I’d bet on Up, Fox and Ponyo – Coraline or the Disney animated pic could surprise though, as could Cloudy With A Chance of Meatballs, which is a fine action film. yes, action film.
The Seceret of Kells is the one to watch…wont win (that will be Up) but it’s a fantastic little film.