This winter's film slate features a zoo full of creatures, a War Horse and a pack of adorable dogs. "It's amazing how many animals there are this year," marvels Mathilde de Cagny, the lead animal trainer forHugo and Beginners, two animal-friendly movies with award aspirations. "Animals add such character to a movie, and people just automatically relate to them. They bring such warmth." "Besides," she says, "they are a lot cheaper than actors." Four-legged thespians have long been unappreciated by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. But in this year of banner performances, here are five animals worthy of acting nominations.
