Two anime films were indicated for possible Oscar nominees.

It’s still a step before an Oscar nomination, but I think it’s worth taking a look at both titles.

I personally had never heard of them before reading about this piece of news. Maybe because they are too new, maybe because I’m kinda disconnected from anime films lately.

The Sky Crawlers was created and produced by Mamoru Oshii and Production I.G’s (Ghost in the Shell). Sony Pictures got the rights for it.

Sword of the Stranger was created and produced by Masahiro Ando (worked in several famous titles) and BONES Studio (Fullmetal Alchemist). Bandai Entertainment made a limited run on some selected american states which qualified it for the selection.

Both anime films will be competing with several other animated movies for the nomination, including:
Bolt, Delgo, Dragon Hunters, Fly Me to the Moon, Igor, Kung Fu Panda, Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa, $9.99, The Tale of Despereaux, Waltz With Bashir, WALL-E, and Dr. Seuss’ Horton Hears a Who!
From all of those, only 3 will be selected for the nomination. The winners will be announced in January 22nd.

As you already know, Sen to Chihiro no Kamikakushi (Spirited Away) was the only japanese anime film that won an Oscar so far.
Now, take a peek at the following videos.

Sword of the Stranger teaser:

The Sky Crawlers trailer:

Source: AnimeNewsNetwork