‘Wall-E’ and new US number one film ‘Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa’ are among the 14 films in consideration for the 2009 best animated feature Oscar.

Pixar’s global hit about the last robot on Earth is the favourite to claim the prize at the 81st Academy awards though it could be challenged by political drama Waltz with Bashir.

’Kung Fu Panda’ and Dr Seuss’ ‘Horton Hears a Who!’ are also in contention while recently-released animations ‘Fly Me To The Moon ’ and ‘Igor’ are in the running.

However, only three films will actually be nominated for the Oscar when the nominations are unveiled at the Samuel Goldwyn Theatre in Los Angeles on January 22nd.

The 14 films submitted for consideration are:

Wall-E
Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa
Kung-Fu Panda
Waltz With Bashir
The Tale Of Despereaux
Dr Seuss’ Horton Hears A Who!
Bolt
Delgo
Fly Me To The Moon
Igor
Dragon Hunters
9.99
The Sky Crawlers
Sword Of The Stranger