WALL-E, Madagascar among animated Oscar hopefuls
Last Updated: Wednesday, November 12, 2008 | 1:24 PM ET
CBC News
WALL*E, about a sentimental robot cleaning up an environmentally damaged Earth, could also be submitted for best picture consideration. (Walt Disney/Pixar) Films about a sentimental robot, a pachyderm with amazing hearing and a gaggle of Central Park zoo animals shipped to Africa are among the animated features vying for one of three coveted Oscar slots early next year.
WALL*E, Dr. Seuss' Horton Hears a Who! and Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa are on a long list of 14 films submitted for consideration as one of the three eventual best antimated feature nominees, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences said this week.
The other contenders are:
- Bolt
- Delgo
- Dragon Hunters
- Fly Me to the Moon
- Igor
- Kung Fu Panda
- $9.99
- The Sky Crawlers
- Sword of the Stranger
- The Tale of Despereaux
- Waltz With Bashir
Several of the films must still complete some remaining qualifying rules — including theatrical run requirements — before being considered for the next stage.
Films submitted for animated feature consideration can also still qualify for other Academy Awards — provided they meet the requirements for those categories. Some industry insiders have speculated that Disney and Pixar will submit the hit WALL*E for best picture consideration.
Nominations for all Oscar categories will be revealed on Jan. 22, with the 81st Academy Awards gala to follow on Feb. 22 at the Kodak Theatre in Hollywood.
