The semi-official list of animated features submitted for the 2012-2013 Oscar Season has been released, nailing the potential Best Animated Feature at 21 films:
- “Adventures in Zambezia”
- “Brave”
- “Delhi Safari”
- “Dr. Seuss’ The Lorax”
- “Frankenweenie”
- “From Up on Poppy Hill”
- “Hey Krishna”
- “Hotel Transylvania”
- “Ice Age Continental Drift”
- “A Liar’s Autobiography: The Untrue Story of Monty Python’s Graham Chapman”
- “Madagascar 3: Europe’s Most Wanted”
- “The Mystical Laws”
- “The Painting”
- “ParaNorman”
- “The Pirates! Band of Misfits”
- “The Rabbi’s Cat”
- “Rise of the Guardians”
- “Secret of the Wings”
- “Walter & Tandoori’s Christmas”
- “Wreck-It Ralph”
- “Zarafa”
Although it’s still anyone’s game, especially with several of these still awaiting a Los Angeles release, there are several films that definitely shine brighter above the rest. Of course the animated film to beat this year is powerhouse Pixar’s 2012 release “Brave”, with its bow-and-arrow wielding, fiery redhead at the helm. Other American releases to hold in high regard are “Dr. Seuss’ The Lorax”, “Rise of the Guardians”, and blockbuster aficionado “Wreck-It Ralph”, with a Disney backing that cannot be denied. As for the unknowns, “Zafara” from France and “The Painting”, also from France, both look to be visually strong contenders, matching the aesthetics of last year’s nominees “A Cat In Paris” and “Chico & Rita”, which were, in their own rights, both solid animated films. Expect two or three of these to reach the final five come nomination day, on January 10th.
