It’s been revealed that as many as five films could be nominated in the Best Animated Feature category at the 2012 Academy Awards, as the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Science have announced that 18 features have been submitted for consideration.

The titles submitted are as follows:Rango, Kung Fu Panda 2, Puss in Boots, Rio, Cars 2, Hoodwinked Two! Hood Vs. Evil, Gnomeo & Juliet, Mars Needs Moms, Winnie the Pooh, The Adventures of Tintin, Arthur Christmas, Happy Feet Too, Alvin and the Chipmunks: Chipwrecked, The Smurfs, Alois Nebel, A Cat in Paris, Chico & Rita and Wrinkles.

There are certainly some interesting choices in there, and several potential winners. But it has to be said that those behind Mars Needs Moms are being adventurous putting themselves forward for consideration given just how wretchedly the film performed at the box office, and how it was largely poorly received by critics.

It will be interesting to see what films make the final five.. I’d have thought Rango would be a certainty, as would The Adventures of Tintin (its inclusion resolving the debate as to whether it’s considered an animated movie or not, assuming that this submitted list is ultimately approved, which it hasn’t been yet).