The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences revealed the 20 films that have submitted for this season's best animated picture Oscar. The films in contention, if they qualify, include:
“Big Hero 6”
“The Book of Life”
“The Boxtrolls”
“Cheatin””
“Giovanni”s Island”
“Henry & Me”
“The Hero of Color City”
“How to Train Your Dragon 2”
“Jack and the Cuckoo-Clock Heart”
“Legends of Oz: Dorothy”s Return”
“The Lego Movie”
“Minuscule – Valley of the Lost Ants”
“Mr. Peabody & Sherman”
“Penguins of Madagascar”
“The Pirate Fairy”
“Planes: Fire & Rescue”
“Rio 2”
“Rocks in My Pockets”
“Song of the Sea”
“The Tale of the Princess Kaguya”
As noted by the Academy in an official press release, several of the films have not yet had their required Los Angeles qualifying run. Unless those films fulfill the theatrical release requirements and comply with all of the category”s other qualifying rules they cannot be part of the voting process. At least eight eligible animated features must be theatrically released in Los Angeles County within the calendar year for this category to be activated. That is a given with “Big Hero 6,” “Book of Life,” “How To Train Your Dragon 2,” “Planes: Fire & Rescue,” “Rio 2,” “The Lego MOvie,” “Mr. Peabody & Sherman,” “Penguins of Madagascar” and “The Boxtrolls” having already hit theaters nationwide or scheduled to over the next month.
The 87th Academy Awards nominations will be announced live on Thursday, Jan. 15, 2015, at 5:30 a.m. PT in the Academy”s Samuel Goldwyn Theater.
The 2015 Oscars will be held on Sunday, Feb. 22, 2015 and broadcast live on the ABC Television Network.
Which films do you think are the frontrunners for a best animated picture nod? Share your thoughts below.