IAN MCKELLEN - CARS AND FLUSHED AWAY LEAD ANNIE NOMINATIONS

CARS AND FLUSHED AWAY LEAD ANNIE NOMINATIONS

FLUSHED AWAY and CARS look set to dominate this year's (06) Annie Awards for film and television animation, landing nine nominations each. Animation giants Disney-Pixar and DreamWorks will go head-to-head for the top animated feature gong at the ceremony, widely seen as the pathway to the Oscars, as all previous recipients have gone on to triumph in the best animated feature category at the Academy Awards later that month. Flushed Away's nominations include best Voice Acting In A Film for SIR IAN MCKELLEN, who plays the character of TOAD in the movie, co-produced with WALLACE AND GROMIT filmmakers Aardman Animation. Aardman landed the best animated film award in 2005 for WALLACE AND GROMIT: THE CURSE OF THE WERE-RABBIT. OVER THE HEDGE, HAPPY FEET, MONSTER HOUSE and OPEN SEASON have also been nominated for the top award. Nominees for Best Animated Television production include CHARLIE AND LOLA, FOSTER'S HOME FOR IMAGINARY FRIENDS, KING OF THE HILL, THE FAIRLY ODD PARENTS, and WOW! WOW! WUBBZY! The 34th annual awards will take place in Glendale, Los Angeles on 11 February (07).