Sewers and cars lead awards race

Kate Winslet and Hugh Jackman are two of Flushed Away's main voices

Movies Flushed Away and Cars have each gained nine nominations at Hollywood's Annie Awards, which recognise the best animation in films, TV and home videos.

Sir Ian McKellen has been shortlisted for "voice acting" as evil character Toad in sewer adventure Flushed Away.

John Lasseter is up for best director for motor drama Cars at the ceremony in Glendale, California, on 11 February.

Cars, Happy Feet, Monster House and Open Season are among those in the running for the top animated feature.

Dreamworks success

Over the Hedge, an animated version of a popular cartoon strip, earned eight nominations.

These included best animated feature and voice acting for Wanda Sykes, who portrayed a skunk named Stella.

Cars follows Lightning McQueen, a vehicle voiced by Owen Wilson

And its success meant Dreamworks Animation - which also made Flushed Away - appeared a total of 17 times in the shortlist, more than any other company.

Satirical series King of the Hill and children's programme Charlie and Lola were included in the category for best animated TV production.

The Annie Awards provide an important guide to films which are likely to do well at the Oscars on 25 February.

This is because every single Academy Award for best animated feature has gone to the movie which was the overall winner of the Annie Awards.