It’s that time of year again! While many blogs and websites are getting together their awards for the year, the Oscars have already received 20 submissions for possible the Best Animated Feature at next year’s ceremony. Out of the 20 submissions received this year, two are anime features: Astro Boy (Imagi) and Ponyo (Studio Ghibli). As long as there are 16 eligible submissions, the field will be opened up to 5 different nominees. Unfortunately there are still seven nominees (“Alvin and the Chipmunks: The Squeakquel,” “The Dolphin – Story of a Dreamer,” “Fantastic Mr. Fox,” “Planet 51,” “The Princess and the Frog,” “The Secret of Kells” and “A Town Called Panic”) which have not yet met their theatrical release eligibility requirements. If three of these movies don’t meet that requirement, the field would still be limited to the usual three nominees.

Now, this is all well and cool however let us get out the sheet music and play the real cynical waltz. Astro Boy has been a theatrical bust and Ponyo is cute but capable of winning an Oscar when placed against heavyweights such as Up, 9 and A Christmas Carol? I wouldn’t get your hopes up on an anime winning the next Oscar but it would still be cool to see Studio Ghibli pick up another nomination.

<Via Oscars.org>

One Response to “Ponyo and Astro Boy Both Submitted for Oscar Nominations”