This French, 2D-animated thriller about a cat who is a housepet by day and burglar's assistant by night hasn't screen for critics yet. It's an unknown quantity, but it'll have to make quite an impression to compete in the big leagues.

"Alois Nebel" was submitted by the Czech Republic in the Best Foreign Language Film contest. The serious-minded, rotoscoped film deals with the German expulsion after WWII. Somber films almost never pop up in Best Animated Feature.

This third film in the "Alvin and the Chipmunks" series might not even qualify once it screens for Academy members. But even if it does, it's not getting nominated. The first two "Alvin in the Chipmunks" films were commercial successes, but critical failures and totally snubbed by the Academy.

A genial holiday film about the son of Santa Claus, "Arthur Christmas" would be the first holiday-themed movie to break into Best Animated Feature. "The Polar Express" was an expected nominee in 2004, but was snubbed. "A Christmas Carol" suffered the same fate in 2009. Is this branch just a bunch of Grinches?

Pixar's first decided critical failure -- with a mere 33% on Rotten Tomatoes -- "Cars 2" would be the company's first film to miss the Animated Feature line-up. The film made money and Pixar is running an Oscar campaign. The original "Cars" didn't win over Oscar voters, losing the 2006 Animated Feature prize to "Happy Feet."

This Spanish film is a romance about two musically inclined lovers. Its traditional 2D animation style could sit well with Oscar voters, but it was clearly made on a budget.

"Gnomeo and Juliet" -- a film about garden gnomes -- got a range of reactions from critics. A high profile duet by Elton John and Lady Gaga is featured in the film, but that probably won't be enough to put this film in contention.

The first "Happy Feet" film won Best Animated Feature back in 2006. This sequel is more of the same with a penguin struggling with self-identity and global warming. Musical numbers dominate the film and Matt Damon and Brad Pitt cameo as krill. 

"Hoodwinked Too!" barely made back half its budget and critics tore it to pieces. Count this sequel to "Hoodwinked" -- which made no impression on Oscar voters -- out of the running.

The original "Kung Fu Panda" contended in this category in 2008, but lost to "Wall-E." The sequel received good reviews and made a bundle at the box office. It's a probable nominee thanks to the star power of Jack Black and Angelina Jolie, among others.

Critics disliked both the animation and message in "Mars Needs Moms." Moviegoers listened by not seeing the film. Though Disney has their name on the film, they have yet to show that they are campaigning for it for a nomination.

"Puss in Boots" did big business at the box office, but that's no surprise considering the popularity of the "Shrek" franchise of which this is a spin-off. Critics have given it decent reviews. The last two "Shrek" movies didn't make it into the Best Animated Feature race, but the original won the category's first honor in 2001. "Puss in Boots" may help "Shrek" make a comeback.

One of the most financially successful and best reviewed animated features of 2011, "Rango" could win this category. It has an impressive 88% on Rotten Tomatoes and made $123 million in the United States. Johnny Depp lends his voice to the lizard the film follows.

A lightweight, tropical film in the vein of previous nominees "Lilo & Stitch" (2002) and "Surf's Up" (2007), "Rio" made $143 million at the U.S. box office. Critics lauded its visuals and music. It should be flashy and fun enough to secure a nod.

Steven Spielberg's "The Adventures of Tintin" could walk away with the prize. Critics have called the film charming and thrilling, though some have reservations about the aesthetic. In any case, expect this to be a nominee.

Walt Disney won his final Oscar posthumously for "Winnie the Pooh and the Blustery Day" in 1968. Forty-three years later, a feature version of "Pooh" may be cute enough to awaken nostalgia in Oscar voters. It can't hurt that it's a brisk 63 minutes.

Like "Alois Nebel," "Wrinkles" is a very serious animated film. It shows the worlds of senior citizens struggling with dimentia or Alzheimer's. Best Animated Feature almost always leans toward light, joyful films. This may simply be too heavy for Oscar voters to consider.