GOLDEN GLOBE AWARDS

This morning's Golden Globe nominations have us reflecting. It's been a year of standout TV shows and film performances, and two different actresses ended up with two acting nominations each. But one of the most striking developments this season has been the quality of animated films.

"Best Animated Film" marks its fourth year as a Globes category with a special slate of movies. First, the Foreign Press expanded the animated category from three nominations to five. In past years three seemed more than sufficient. But the Globes picked a great year to open the gates considering 2009's diverse and well-crafted animated offerings.

"Up" stakes a powerful claim for Pixar, in a Golden Globes category that the studio has totally dominated: "Cars," "Ratatouille," and "WALL-E" have swept the award in the three years previous. You might think that kind of history makes "Up" a shoe-in favorite, but consider:

* "The Princess and the Frog" marks Disney's return to classic hand animation. With a Randy Newman soundtrack and a groundbreaking main character, "Princess" has all the dressings of a winner.

* "Coraline" met critical favor from its release, with some heralding it the best 3-D movie made yet. Based on a cherished book, the film landed a star cast and has strong potential to win the Globe.

* "Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs" became a box office smash, winning the hearts of kids around the world. Its unique premise and 3-D antics pushed the envelope, making "Cloudy" a meaty contender.

* "Fantastic Mr. Fox" features George Clooney and Meryl Streep in the lead roles, a story by one of the greatest children's writers of all time, and beautiful stop-motion animation. Directed by golden boy Wes Anderson, "Fox" is unique, charming, and memorable.