‘Toy Story 3’s’ main Oscar rivals

Pixar has won the Academy Award for best animated feature three years running. The “Toy Story” movies, in one of the academy’s more glaring oversights, have never won a single Oscar. (The animation feature category didn’t exist when the first two “Toy Story” films were made.)

Will the third time be the charm for Buzz and Woody? Here are their main rivals in a year that, because there were only 15 eligible movies, will feature just three nominees for the animated feature category.

‘ DESPICABLE ME’

The debut feature from Chris Meledandri’s Illumination Entertainment scored with critics and audiences, grossing more than $500 million worldwide.

For: Its redemptive story that promises salvation for even the vilest members of the human race should have a strong appeal for certain academy members. Plus, those Minions are just like personal assistants, only even more obedient.

Against: Whenever the story went for heart, it oozed sap. The orphans were a bit much, don’t you think?

Bottom line: Might land a nomination — and a sequel or two — but not the prize.

‘ HOW TO TRAIN YOUR DRAGON’

DreamWorks’ leggy, love-thy-enemy story ruled the box office in the spring, ultimately grossing $493 million worldwide.

For: The year’s only movie to make strong use of the 3-D format with airborne sequences that beautifully captured the feeling of flight. Scores artistic points for being smart enough to hire crack cinematographer Roger Deakins to deepen its visuals.

Against: “Despicable Me” made a little more money, and its reviews were just as strong.

Bottom line: Looks like another bridesmaid year for DreamWorks.

‘THE ILLUSIONIST’

An aging magician befriends a young girl in this French import by Sylvain Chomet, director of the Oscar-nominated “The Triplets of Belleville.” Opens Christmas Day in Los Angeles and New York.

For: European critics hail its melancholy tenderness. Its quality and pedigree — the film is based on an unproduced script that French auteur Jacques Tati wrote in 1956 — make it a strong contender to take the top animation prize from either the Los Angeles or New York film critics groups.

Against: Jacques who?

Bottom line: No Miyazaki movie this year, so it could take the academy’s artistic slot.

‘ TANGLED’

Disney’s 50th animated movie opened strong Thanksgiving weekend and doesn’t appear to be fizzling. It offers a computer-generated take on the studio’s hand-drawn heritage as well as a take-no-prisoners princess with a great head of hair.

For: The animation is luminous, with equal care given to the story. Likely to land a best original song nod for perennial Oscar magnet Alan Menken.

Against: Everyone loved “The Princess and the Frog” too.

Bottom line: Late momentum might result in a nomination.