Thursday, February 4, 2010

Walt Disney and Pixar Celebrate Oscar Nominations

Disney and Pixar Animation Studios Celebrate Milestone Oscar® Year with 8 Nominations for “UP” and “The Princess & the Frog”

“UP” is Only the Second Animated Film in Oscar® History to Ever Receive a “Best Picture” Nomination

BURBANK, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Walt Disney and Pixar Animation Studios celebrated a milestone Oscar® year as the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences announced five Oscar nominations today for “UP” (from Disney-Pixar), including a coveted spot in the “Best Picture” category for only the second time in Academy Award® history, and three nominations for Disney’s “The Princess and the Frog,” it was announced today by Rich Ross, chairman of The Walt Disney Studios, and John Lasseter, chief creative officer for Walt Disney and Pixar Animation Studios.

UP,” directed by Pete Docter and produced by Jonas Rivera, was also recognized by Academy members in the categories of “Animated Feature Film,” “Music (Original Score),” “Sound Editing,” and “Writing (Original Screenplay).” The only other animated film in Oscar history to receive a “Best Picture” nomination was Disney’s “Beauty and the Beast,” which competed in the 1992 awards ceremony.

Directed by Ron Clements & John Musker, and produced by Peter Del Vecho, “The Princess & the Frog” received nominations today in the categories of “Animated Feature Film,” and "Music" (Original Song) for two of the songs written by composer/songwriter Randy Newman (“Down in New Orleans” and “Almost There”).

Commenting on the announcement, Ross said, “We’re proud that ‘UP’s’ inspiring journey and Tiana’s tale of triumph in ‘The Princess and the Frog’ captivated the hearts and minds of the Academy. We’re also proud that both have joined the storied list of Disney and Disney-Pixar favorites in earning nominations for ‘Best Animated Feature Film.’”

Lasseter added, “This is a great moment for all of us in the animation community, and we’re all so incredibly excited that ‘UP’ has been nominated by the Academy in two key categories, especially the ‘Best Picture’ category. This is a great tribute to the filmmaking talents of director Pete Docter, producer Jonas Rivera, and the entire team at Pixar, who worked so hard to create such wonderfully entertaining characters, and develop an original story filled with emotion, humor, adventure, and excitement. Receiving a ‘Best Screenplay’ nomination is enormously gratifying, and underscores why the film has been so universally entertaining and appealing. And we’re thrilled that Michael Giacchino’s score for ‘UP’ has been recognized by his colleagues for adding so much to the emotion and excitement of Carl and Russell’s journey. We’re equally proud that ‘The Princess and the Frog,’ our latest hand-drawn animated feature from Disney, has been recognized in the ‘Best Animated Feature Film’ category, and that two of Randy Newman’s brilliant songs were also honored. With its fantastic animation, original characters, memorable music, and beautiful artistry, it ranks along with many of the Studio’s very best efforts.”

Pete Docter and Jonas Rivera said, “We are humbled and grateful to the Academy. Being nominated among these remarkable animated films is such an amazing privilege. On top of that, to be honored as one of the best pictures of the year is just mind-blowing. It’s truly been a long, wonderful ride getting here, and with all sincerity it really does feel like we’re floating on air.”

Ron Clements & John Musker added, “This rare honor is a thrill, not only for us, but for the 400 or more artists who gave so much of their talents in bringing classical hand-drawn Disney animation in ‘The Princess and the Frog’ back to the big screen."

A summary of nominations for the two films from Walt Disney and Pixar Animation Studios is as follows:

Animated Feature Film - “The Princess and the Frog” John Musker and Ron Clements

Animated Feature Film - “Up” Pete Docter

Music (Original Score) - “Up” Michael Giacchino

Music (Original Song) - “Almost There” from “The Princess and the Frog” Music and Lyric by Randy Newman

Music (Original Song) - “Down in New Orleans” from “The Princess and the Frog” Music and Lyric by Randy Newman

Best Picture - “Up” Jonas Rivera, Producer

Sound Editing - “Up” Michael Silvers and Tom Myers

Writing (Original Screenplay) - “Up” Screenplay by Bob Peterson, Pete Docter, Story by Pete Docter, Bob Peterson, Tom McCarthy [END]

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