And The Winner Is …… “Up”?

Hollywood’s finest will be gathered on Sunday to witness the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences annual award presentations. Viewers of the Academy Award show could see an industry first, as Disney/Pixar Animated film, “Up”,  has been nominated in several major categories.

Carl, Russell and Dug, from Disney/Pixar "Up" eager to greet theme park guests

It was not a terrific surprise that this film was chosen to be nominated in the Best Animated Feature category, a category that was created in 2001.   Academy rules state that if at least eight animated feature films are produced within the year, nominations will be announced for this category.  Disney Studios has received two nominations, as along with “Up”, “The Princess and The Frog” is listed in this category.

Pixar Animation Studios has won this category numerous times for their films including Finding Nemo, The Incredibles, Ratatouille and WALL-E.

It is the additional  nominations that this film has received that  are cause for a little excitement.

• Best Original Screenplay – the sixth time Pixar has received this nomination for its ten produced movies
• Best Picture – only the second animated movie to ever be nominated in this category, the first being Beauty and The Beast in 1991

“Up” is a comedy/fantasy that unites a 78-year old balloon salesman and a young Wilderness Explorer in a trip of a lifetime. Carl Fredrickson attempts to fulfill his lifelong dream of adventure and attaches thousands of helium filled balloons to his house.  As his house lifts up and away carrying him to the wilds of South America, he sees his dream coming true. Carl realizes all  too late that he is dream may just become a nightmare as an overly ambitious 8-year old scout named Russell has become an unwitting stow-away.

It is the moving life lessons within the story that really give this story heart and character and make it one of my favorites.  I know that I will be routing for Carl, Russell and all the Disney/Pixar gang as I anxiously watch the awards program.

Photo Selection: WDW News, Gene Duncan, photographer