Golden Globe challengers for animated feature

It has been another strong year for animated features, both artistically and also at this area office. And also the HFPA can nominate five, using the champion possibly making the Oscar listing of best photos.The Adventures of Tintin: The Key from the UnicornClassic precursor: "Casablanca" meets "All over the world in 80 Days."Chances for any nom: It's all of the right elements -- Steven Spielberg pointing his first animated film, ground-breaking three dimensional motion capture (according to Jim Cameron's animation process produced for "Avatar"), Healing For Peter Jackson creating, and Difficulties, Jamie Bell and Andy Serkis doing voice-overs. Glowing reviews and huge B.O. overseas -- where it had been smartly launched first -- only increase its Globe chances. * * * Arthur Christmas Classic precursor: "Elf" and"Santa's Workshop."Chances a nom: The three dimensional computer-animated fantasy comedy is co-created by The new sony and respected U.K. animation house Aardman ("Wallace & Gromit") featuring the best periodic elements along with a top Brit voice-gloomy which includes Globe noms James McAvoy as Santa's boy Arthur and Imelda Staunton as Mrs. Santa, Globe fave Hugh Laurie (six noms, two wins) and Globe champion Bill Nighy. * * * RangoClassic precursor: "Pinocchio" with a few "High Noon" tossed in.Chances for any nom: Boasting a lot of firsts, Paramount's "Rango" displayed condition-of-the-art animation and visual effects by industry giant ILM, called the first animation film for ILM and "Pirates from the Caribbean" veteran Gore Verbinski. Having a stellar cast which includes Globe champion The Actor-brad Pitt -- charming because the swashbuckling eco-friendly, bug-eyed chameleon -- and Isla Fisher as his passion interest, the lizardy Western would be a global smash, raking in additional than $242 million and critical plaudits. * * * Puss in BootsClassic precursor: "Shrek" franchiseChances for any nom: Superbly animated in three dimensional, this prequel towards the "Shrek" films stars Antonio Banderas because the title character entirely Zorro/Latin lover mode, and was directed by "Shrek 3's" Chris Burns. The $130 million production also features the vocal talents of Salma Hayek as Cat Softpaws and Zach Galifianakis as Humpty Dumpty inside a redemption tale which should attract all HFPA cat-enthusiasts. * * * Kung Fu Panda 2Classic precursor: 2008's $631 million global smash "Kung Fu Panda"Chances for any nom: Starring a Globe-friendly cast which includes Julia Roberts and Dustin Hoffman, the well-received follow up gained $653 million worldwide -- which makes it the greatest-grossing film ever directed with a lady, Jennifer Yuh -- who won an Annie on her focus on the very first film. * * * Cars 2Classic precursor: 2006's "Cars"Chances for any nom: As the follow up was lovingly developed and directed by Pixar mind John Lasseter, and wound up grossing over $551 million worldwide (considerably, just 1 / 2 of what last year's "Toy Story 3" made), "Cars 2" unsuccessful to meet (maybe excessive) anticipation. Critical reception seemed to be mixed, which year may offer rivals a genuine opportunity to knock Pixar off its perch. * * * Gnomeo & JulietClassic precursor: Offspring of Wally Disney, Mario Puzo and also the BardChances for any nom: The kitschy, kid-friendly tale of rival tribes of British garden gnomes includes a strong voice-gloomy (James McAvoy and Emily Blunt because the title figures) as well as an even more powerful score from Elton John, who also professional created and worked with with Rhianna on "Hello, Hello." * * * RioClassic precursor: "101 Dalmatians"Chances for any nom: The irresistible Circus vibe of "Rio," the three dimensional CG extravaganza from native boy director Carlos Saldanha ("Ice Age") and Blue Sky, would be a $484 million global hit and appears tailor-designed for the party-loving Globes. * * * Happy Ft TwoClassic precursor: 2006's $385 million grossing Globe-champion "Happy Ft."Chances for any nom: The most popular penguin dance party teams four-time Globe champion Robin Williams with Globe those who win Kaira Pitt and Matt Damon, throws in beginners Sofia Vergara, Pink and customary, as well as showcases an eco-sensitive plot. * * * GOLDEN GLOBES RACETops in tubthumps? Best Picture: Drama Best Picture: Comedy or Musical Television Animation Contact the range newsroom at news@variety.com