It seems Israel IS an animation empire after all. Of the 14 films submitted for a nomination in the Best Animated Feature, two are Israeli co-production. The better known is Hebrew-speaking “Waltz With Bashir”, which is also Israel’s entry to the Foreign Language category. The second is the English language, Australian co-production, “$9.99″, a stop motion film based on the short stories of Etgar Keret (who co-wrote the script). These two will face 12 other films, among them likely-winner “Wall-E”. The three nominees will be announced January 22nd. Will “Waltz With Bashir” - nominated for Best Picture in the European Film Awards earlier this week - waltz away with a dual nomination, for Best Animated Feature AND Best Foreign Language Film?

The 14 submitted features are:

“Bolt”
“Delgo”
“Dr. Seuss’ Horton Hears a Who!”
“Dragon Hunters”
“Fly Me to the Moon”
“Igor”
“Kung Fu Panda”
“Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa”
“$9.99”
“The Sky Crawlers”
“Sword of the Stranger”
“The Tale of Despereaux”
“WALL-E”
“Waltz with Bashir”