The Academy Awards' Best Animated Feature Film category is usually one of the most predictable categories with the eventual winner usually picking up tons of accolades from critics and other awards organizations. However, this year's animated film race has become the most competitive since 2006 with three films listed as favorites to take home the prize.
Brave-The inclusion of "Brave" in this category marks the ninth time that Pixar is nominated for Best Animated Film at the Oscars. Pixar has won six of those awards and has been triumphant for the last four years. "Brave" has been nominated for all the major awards and was able to capture the Golden Globe and two critics' organizations accolades for Best Animated Film. However, "Brave" has not fared well with the major guilds. The film failed to win the Producers Guild of America and the Critics' Choice Award. It also lost at the Annie Awards, the annual ceremony that recognizes the best in animated film. "Brave" can still win the BAFTA award (British Academy Awards) in two weeks; a victory with that organization would make it a front-runner. Pixar's history in this category also gives it a slight edge.
Frankenweenie- "Frankenweenie" marks the second nomination in the category for director Tim Burton; he was previously recognized for "Corpse Bride" in 2005. "Frankenweenie" has received nods for every major awards organization including the PGA, Golden Globes and Critics Choice Awards. More importantly, the film has been awarded with the top Animated Film prize from six critics' circles including the Boston, New York, and LA Film Critics. The film scored the best reviews of any animated film in the category and that alone could help it win.
Paranorman- Directors Sam Bell and Chris Butler scored their first Oscar nominations with "Paranorman." The Focus Features film won 14 Best Animated Film recognitions from numerous critics' circles. However, it failed to capture the Golden Globe, the PGA and the Critics' Choice awards. "Paranorman" is currently nominated for the BAFTA and a win from this organization could help the movie assert itself as the front-runner.
The Pirates! Band of Misfits- Director Peter Lord obtained his third nomination with "The Pirates! Band of Misfits." The film was the surprise nominee this year because it has not won any precursor awards and did not get nominated for any major accolades. "The Pirates!" was nominated for the Annie and European Film Awards, but lost with both organizations. This film is the biggest long shot to win this contest.
Wreck-it Ralph- Disney's "Wreck-it Ralph" marks director Rich Moore's first career Academy Award nomination. "Ralph" has been the second most awarded film of the season with 11 precursor victories and has scored major accolades from the Critics Choice, PGA and Annie Awards. However, the film is not nominated for the British Academy Awards, which is made up many Oscar voters. This exclusion could present a major issue for "Ralph."
Predictions: The BAFTA nominations give "Paranorman" and "Brave" an advantage over "Wreck-it Ralph." "Paranorman's" numerous accolades should swing the tide in its favor on Oscar night.
- Contribute to this Story:
- Send us a tip
- Send us a photo or video
- Suggest a correction
