MUMBAI: 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. The studios also got three nominations for The Princess and the Frog.

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 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).

“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,” said The Walt Disney Studios chairman Rich Ross.

Walt Disney and Pixar Animation Studios chief creative officer John 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.”