Animation regulations approved

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences’ Board of Governors has approved the final regulations for best animated feature film, a new Oscar category. The academy has debated the category for years and is the first new Oscar category in almost 20 years. Rules for the new best Animated Feature Film Award define an animated feature film as “a motion picture of at least 70 minutes in running time where a significant number of the major characters in the film are animated, and animation figures in no less than 75 percent of the picture’s running time,” according to the academy’s Web site. Whether the academy activates this category will depend on the number of animated features released in a given year. If eight or more are found to be eligible, the committee may choose to recommend that an animated feature award be given for that year. Films submitted in the Best Animated Feature category also may qualify in other areas provided they meet the governing criteria in those categories. The Academy Awards nominations will be announced 5:30 a.m. Feb. 12 and the 74th annual Academy Awards will air live March 24.