Brave
2012 has seen some great animation movies hit the big screen but it really has been the year of stop motion animation - which three movies in this genre nominated for the Best Animated Feature prize.
Since the nominations were announced we have been taking a closer look at some of the major categories and today it is animation that goes under the spotlight.
Brave
No summer is complete without a Pixar movie hitting the big screen and in 2012 the studio went back to an original story with Brave.
After sequels Toy Story 3 and Cars 2 this latest addition to the Pixar catalogue was a breath of fresh air - and this was a Pixar film like we had never seen before.
There was a female lead character for the very first time and Merida is a fantastically bold and fearless character.
Pixar really have brought the Highlands of Scotland to life as the once again up the animation stakes and show why they have dominated this genre of film for so long.
Brave was one of the best animation movies to hit the big screen last year and it deserves all of the success that has come its way.
Frankenweenie
Frankenweenie saw Tim Burton return to the stop motion animation genre for the very first time since The Corpse Bride and delivered a movie that was a major treat.
Not only was it shot in stop motion animation but it was also in black and white and this made the film unlike any other animation project that was released last year.
The movie is a remake of a short Burton made back in 1984 as well as being a bit of an homage to the story of Frankenstein.
This is one of the most endearing and touching animation movies of the year - only someone with a heart of stone will not be moved by this young's boys love for his dog.
Burton has crafted this movie with real love and care and it is just a fantastic film.
ParaNorman
ParaNorman is the second stop motion animation film to be nominated in this category this year.
The film is directed by Sam Fell and Chris Butler and brings together a great voice cast that includes Casey Affleck and Anna Kendrick.
ParaNorman was a ghoulish and funny film that delivered so much more than I was expecting.
There is a texture and a warmth to this film and you feel a real compassion for the central character who is bullied and has a difficult relationship with his father.
This is a movie that dares to be a little different and that pays off.
Wreck-It-Ralph
Everyone loves a Disney movie and Wreck-It-Ralph is their latest offering and the fifty second film to hit the big screen.
The movie is directed by Rich Moore as he makes his feature film directorial debut - however he is has plenty of animation experience having worked on Futurama and The Simpsons.
John C. Reilly leads the voice cast which includes Sarah Silverman, Jack McBrayer and Jane Lynch.
Wreck-it-Ralph has already won Best Animated Feature at the Critics Choice Awards and the National Board of Review Awards and an Oscar could well be on the horizon.
The Pirates! Band of Misfits
The Pirates! Band of Misfits is the third and final stop motion animation project to be nominated in this category this year.
The Pirates! Band of Misfits or The Pirates! In an Adventure with Scientists! in the UK was the latest film from Aardman Animations in partnership with Sony Pictures Animation.
Peter Lord is in the director's chair for the film while Hugh Grant, Martin Freeman and David Tennant are all lend their voices to the project.
As well as an Oscar nod The Pirates! Band of Misfits! is also in the funning for a string of Annie Awards.
The winners will be announced 24th February.
Tagged in Frankenweenie Wreck It Ralph