Spirited Away became the first anime feature ever to receive an Oscar nomination for best animated film today, as the nominations for the Academy Awards were announced this morning.  The Miyazaki film received a tepid arthouse release from Disney last year; the DVD is set for April release along with two other Miyazaki classics (see 'Disney Set To Release Three Miyazaki Films').  Spirited Away is up against Ice Age, Lilo & Stitch, Spirit:  Stallion of the Cimarron, and Treasure Planet for the award.  No word on whether Disney will give Spirited Away another turn in theaters behind the Oscar nomination publicity. 

 

Among other nominations of interest to pop culture retailers, Lord of the Rings:  The Two Towers received a nomination for Best Picture, as well as for Film Editing, Sound, and Visual Effects.  Road to Perdition received nominations for cinematography and original score.