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It was just a few years ago when the Academy Awards rewarded animated films for their achievement in filmmaking. Of course, it could be argued that it was a bit too late for the classic cartoon movies like “Dumbo”, “Bambi”, “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs” and more recently, “Beauty and the Beast” and “Toy Story” . These films, with the exception of “Beauty and the Beast” which got a nomination for Best Picture, were mostly ignored come Oscar time.

Through the years, the golden statue has went on to be delivered to “Shrek”, “Spirited Away” and “Finding Nemo”. With the commercial successes of these films, Hollywood producers have churned out far more animated films than years passed and the quality of these flicks are varied. Some are actually good (”The Incredibles”), some are bad (”Shark Tale”) and some are actually both (”Madagascar”).

Their appeal is undeniable. How could you go wrong with a film that is targeted to kids and parents tagging along with them. Repeated viewings, anyone?

This year, the nominees for Best Animated Feature are “Cars”, “Monster House” and “Happy Feet”. Here’s how I see this race:

“Cars” would probably win because Pixar has made a good movie once again. It may not be their best work alongside the “Toy Story” films or “Finding Nemo” but it was still enjoyable and entertaining. Plus, it has box office numbers to back their claim. It may not win because it was not the best Pixar film and Oscar voters may want to reward another film studio.

“Monster House” would win because it was different from the other nominated films in that it was scarier than them and it has the names of Steven Spielberg and Robert Zemeckis. Also, the way it used performance capture animation might impress the voters. It may not win because of its poor showing at the box office. Oscars tend to go with what the numbers say on this category.

“Happy Feet” would probably win because of its lighthearted feel and it was the most rcent of these nominees. Plus, Robin Williams was just memorable. It won’t win because it has the least impressive script among the three. Moreover, their win is in the nomination. It was also the most unexpected nominee of the category. Among the three, it is the least likeliest to win.

So, my prediction is “Cars” would take the Oscar home.

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Academy Awards, Oscars, Cars, Monster House, Happy Feet, Dumbo, Bambi, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, Beauty and the Beast, Toy Story, Shrek, Spirited Away, Finding Nemo, Steven Spielberg, Robert Zemeckis, Robin Williams

[images from: digg.be tribute.ca guardian.co.uk]