Well, we have a shortlist. The following twenty films will contend for Best Animated Feature at the Oscars.

“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”

It seems to me that the only sure bets are Big Hero 6 and Lego Movie. Song Of The Sea and Princess Kaguya are foreign films with strong followings. They have good chances. Both Boxtrolls and Book Of Life seem to belong in the same boat of ‘great visuals, lackluster story’ It’s difficult to see if one or both will get on. As for Dragon 2, it’s a sequel, and the Academy isn’t always very kind to them. Plus, Dreamworks will likely campaign the film for Best Picture, and we all know how that worked out for Rise Of The Guardians.

UPDATE: (So, they are campaigning HTTYD2 for Best Picture, and I couldn’t be happier. Dreamworks is making the same fatal mistake that cost Rise Of The Guardians a Best Animated Feature nomination. If HTTYD2 is not nominated, it will make up for every mistake the Academy has ever made.)