As we edge closer to Oscar time, the critics continue to weigh in with their picks. On January 2, 2002 the Online Film Critics Society gave the nod to SHREK as Best Animated Feature. If you’re counting, that’s three critics' awards for SHREK, one for WAKING LIFE and none for the other Academy Awards qualifiers. January 5, 2002 saw the American Film Institute (AFI) bestow Film of the Year honors on LORD OF THE RINGS, which beat out nine other nominees (including SHREK) to take home the top prize. RINGS artist Jim Rygiel won AFI’s Digital Effects Artist of the Year award, beating WAKING LIFE’s Bob Sabiston as well as effects artists from HARRY POTTER and A.I. And on January 7, 2002 the National Society of Film Critics gave Richard Linklater’s WAKING LIFE an award for Best Experimental Film as well as honoring the late Faith Hubley with a special citation for "a career devoted to exploring animation's art and soul." Next up, the Broadcast Film Critics Association will present the animated feature award on January 11, 2002 to one of their three nominees, MONSTERS, INC., SHREK or WAKING LIFE. Stay tuned!

Related News Items:


Critics' Nods Predict The Noms[December 19, 2001]

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]