Last updated on Monday, July 20, 2009

Pixar looks to have another solid contender with this year's Up, a film I currently believe easily sits above the cut-line for one of those ten Best Picture slots. However, I can't help but think it is going to actually find competition in the Best Animated category as Focus offers up two impressive looking contenders with 9 and fan favorite (not necessarily my own favorite) Coraline.

Disney also has A Christmas Carol and The Princess and the Frog waiting in the wings and who knows how Wes Anderson's The Fantastic Mr. Fox is going to turn out.

Could this be a situation where a Pixar film actually doesn't win Best Animated feature but somehow still manages to get a Best Picture nom? I wouldn't put it past the Academy to do just that, but for now Up remains my pic for Best Animated Feature, despite my doubts.

Up is directed by Peter Docter and Bob Peterson and the MPAA has rated it PG for some peril and action.

The voice cast includes Ed Asner, Christopher Plummer, Delroy Lindo and John Ratzenberger.

From the Academy Award®-nominated team of director Pete Docter (Monsters, Inc.) and co-director Bob Peterson comes Up, a comedic adventure taking off (and lifting spirits) in summer 2009. Carl Fredricksen spent his entire life dreaming of exploring the globe and experiencing life to its fullest. But at age 78, life seems to have passed him by, until a twist of fate, and a persistent 8-year old Wilderness Explorer named Russell, gives him a new lease on life. Up takes audiences on a thrilling journey where the unlikely pair encounter wild terrain, unexpected villains and jungle creatures. When seeking adventure next summer - look Up.