Movie Le Grand Voyage

Adam Elliot's stop-motion Mary and Max beat a field of 7 features (including Coraline) to take the prize for Best Animated Feature Film at the 2009 Ottawa International Animation Festival.

While the prize-giving was free of the controversy that surrounded last year's feature film winner, there were a few raised eyebrows over the love given to Estonian animation. As one animator said, "Those guys need an editor!" However, no one disputed the three awards given to Bastien Dubois' 'Madagascar.'

"That's f*****g brilliant!" gasped one animation professional during a screening.

Below, is the list of winners at this year's OIAF, plus a blurb by the jury supporting their decision. Standout shorts (both positive and negative) also receive pointed commentary by yours truly.