Now that the animated feature category is a lock, the Oscar race is on, and critics groups from around the country are starting to weigh in with their picks. Although the New York Film Critics Circle chose WAKING LIFE as best animated film of the year, SHREK is pulling ahead in the accolades department. The DreamWorks blockbuster picked up the award for best animated film from the National Board of Review and the Los Angeles Film Critics Association, as well as making a list of ten nominees for best film of the year from both the AFI and the Broadcast Film Critics Association. The Association also nominated SHREK alongside MONSTERS, INC. and WAKING LIFE for best animated feature of the year (a possible preview of the Oscar nominations?). The winners will be announced January 11, 2002 at the Critics' Choice Awards. While the AFI does not have a separate category for animated film, WAKING LIFE’s Bob Sabiston picked up a nom as best digital artist. The other nominees are Scott Farrar and Dennis Muren for A.I. ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE, Robert Legato, Nick Davis and Roger Guyett for HARRY POTTER AND THE SORCERER'S STONE, and Jim Rygiel for THE LORD OF THE RINGS: THE FELLOWSHIP OF THE RING. The AFI will announce the winners of its first annual awards presentation on January 5, 2002 during a live CBS telecast.

Richard Linklater's latest film has caused quite a stir in the animation community. Is it really animated? Why is it "animated?" Is this just what the animated feature world needs or a sneaky imposter? Read what Gregory Singer has to say about WAKING LIFE.

Previous News Items:

WAKING LIFE Is Named Best Animated Film By NY Film Critics [December 14, 2001]

Academy Award For Best Animated Feature To Be Given For 2001 [December 12, 2001]