The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences issued a press release earlier today listing the 15 animated films that have been submitted for consideration in the Best Animated Feature category. The films are:
- Alpha and Omega
- Cats & Dogs: The Revenge of Kitty Galore
- Despicable Me
- The Dreams of Jinsha
- How to Train Your Dragon
- Idiots and Angels
- The Illusionist
- Legend of the Guardians: The Owls of Ga’Hoole
- Megamind
- My Dog Tulip
- Shrek Forever After
- Summer Wars
- Tangled
- Tinker Bell and the Great Fairy Rescue
- Toy Story 3
The Academy rules state that 16 films need to be submitted to the category in order for five movies to receive nominations. However, since 15 animated films were submitted by studios this year, only three films will have their names heard when nominations are announced on Tuesday, January 25, 2011 at 8:30 AM ET (5:30 AM PT).
As Toy Story 3 is considered a favorite, Pixar need not be worried about the nomination process. Additionally, the animation studio has a three-year-long win streak going – Ratatouille, Wall-E, and Up (which also received a Best Picture nomination) have captured the top animated film prize the past three years.
The Academy Awards air Sunday, February 27, 2011 on ABC.