The phrase "animated category" refers to a group or section of things that are created using animation techniques. It includes cartoons, movies, and shows that are made using drawings or computer-generated images that move. Full definition
The Burbank media giant dominates the box office with its Lucasfilm, Marvel, and animated properties — but Disney hasn't had a specialty division since it sold Miramax in 2010, and the Disney brand is largely absent from arthouses and from the Oscars, outside of animated categories. (vanityfair.com)
In the Motion Picture — Animated category expected Oscar nominee «Anomalisa» wasn't part of the, um, mix as traditional fare such as «Inside Out,» «The Good Dionsaur,» «Hotel Transylvania 2,» «Minions» and «The Peanuts Movie» rounded out the field. (awardscampaign.com)
For parents interested in expanding their kids» point of view, but unsure which 2014 Oscar contenders are appropriate for what age of child, the nonprofit Common Sense Media has compiled a guide, including some outside the animated category. (articles.chicagotribune.com)