Oscars Best Animated Feature Category Receives Record 20 Submissions

The Associated Press is reporting that a record 20 submissions have been made to the Oscars under the category of Best Animated Feature. Never before have this many animated features been submitted for consideration and as a result of the abundance of films that are under consideration, there will be five nominees in the category for the year.

According to the official press release that was distributed by Oscars.org, the rules for this category state that as many as five films can be nominated when the number of eligible submissions equals or exceeds 16. Generally, there are three nominees within the Best Animated Feature category at the Academy Awards but there has been precedent for this type of situation.

The category featured five nominees at the 2002 Oscars when there were 17 animated features that were submitted to the Academy. The Academy's full press release revealed that seven of the 20 animated features that were submitted have yet to be shown in theatres. However, all seven of those films have theatrical releases scheduled before the end of the year.

The official nominations ceremony for the 82nd Academy Awards is scheduled to occur on February 2, 2010 in the world-renowned Samuel Goldwyn Theater.