Well, Total Recall is taking place in… what, "Future China" or something? Bah!

I agree that the artistry was sublime and powerful (which is why I suggested an art direction award), but the techniques were old tried-and-true ones. They didn't push the boundaries of what visuals the medium is capable of creating, and I think that's what the Academy looks for.

My point is they weren't AS big and showy as their competitors, not that they weren't big and showy at all.

"but it does appear that the Academy is more interested in awarding novel special effects over BIG special effects" Exactly my point.

Out of his filmography I've only seen The Place Promised in Our Early Days, and while unreasonably gorgeous and often touching, its narrative was vague, conveyed almost entirely through expository dialogue, and over-reliant on anime tropes.

Wow. Just… fuck.

As Liam "looking at a point about a foot above Jar Jar's head" Neeson can tell you, that makes all the difference.

Like Marlon Brando in Superman Returns?

Ooooooh got it now. That makes sense.

I'd say the breadth and depth of animated films given widespread cultural attention has increased since the award was instated (not because of it, exactly, but it didn't hurt). How many Americans would have even heard of a film like Persepolis if it was made in the 90s?

I'ma let you finish, but Giotto di Bondone did one of the best 13th century paintings of all time. Of all time!

But Tintin didn't. It was full-on mocap.

"Technical awards, like those for visual effects, go to the biggest and showiest films—which, not incidentally, employ the largest number of technicians—rather than the transcendent visions of The Tree Of Life."

But the same goes for special effects animators. Why is it short shrift to be given an award in that category?

Kung Fu Panda 2 was more visually ambitious. Pooh was delightful, and probably a better movie, but kind of spare.

I'd say employing computer algorithms to translate recorded performances directly into moving CGI characters goes beyond "reference." Not to disparage motion capture, but it's not the same thing.

Rango was not animated with motion capture: 
http://screenrant.com/rango…

It was just okay, I thought. Not scraping the barrel, at least. The water was very pretty. The mockumentary style hurt more than it helped, though.

It was nominated for best foreign film, but not best animated film.

"Polio," not "pollo."