Today is the deadline for animated feature contenders to submit paperwork for consideration. At 5pm PT today, to be precise. So far I’m seeing enough possibilities on the radar to warrant a full slate of five nominations, should they all qualify, that is. Meanwhile, “The Adventures of Tintin: The Secret of the Unicorn” is set to close AFI Fest, “Puss in Boots” has just hit theaters, “Happy Feet 2” is on the way and “Arthur Christmas” is screening for press. so animation is very much at the forefront of discussion these days. We’ll see how it all shakes down. [Oscars.org]

Peter Knegt shines a light on the forthcoming Film Independent Spirit Award nominations. [indieWIRE]

Sasha Stone reports from the Savannah Film Festival where it’s all about Ellen Barkin and “Another Happy Day.” [Awards Daily]

Same writer, different outlet, this time summarizing Academy rule changes this season. [Variety]

Steve Weintraub talks to “Drive” star Albert Brooks. [Collider]

Steve Pond on the Academy’s new choice for talent producer. [The Odds]

Read Terrence Malick”s 1979 script notes from the “The Tree of Life” precursor “Qasida.” [Movieline]

Scott Feinberg talks to “The Artist” director Michel Hazanavicius. [The Race]

John Horn reports from The Envelope’s screening series and a “Descendants” Q&A. [24 Frames]

And closing out Halloween this year, io9 wraps up it’s list of the 50 scariest movies. [io9]