We had two films release this past weekend with the potential for Oscar nominations.

Abominable

Beyond DisneyPixar and Laika, there are only a couple of studios that have managed to successfully leverage their brand to Oscar nominations. DreamWorks employs probably the second large number of animators working today and their efforts are often recognized with box office success and Oscar nominations.

Abominable will be trying this year to earn a seat at the Oscar table and it’s off to a solid start. While the $20 million opening isn’t a blockbuster, it doesn’t face much competition until Frozen II releases for Thanksgiving. The Addams Family will be the only major film releasing in that window and that movie won’t likely be too much competition when it releases in two weeks.

Throw in the faint praise the film has received from critics and you have a film that will worm its way into the competition, and in a field of five, could very easily be nominated.