USA Today says in a ceremony not likely to feature many surprises, the animation category is the place to look for drama. “Animated feature films, having shed some of their slapstick reputation by adopting more sophisticated themes and technology and a keener competitive spirit, are creating compelling storylines for Sunday night’s Academy Awards”.

With the big night just days away, check out what the nominees are saying:

• Tim Burton, who somewhat shockingly has only been nominated for two Academy Awards (both in the animation category) and never won, was surprised by his nomination for Frankenweenie according to Complex.

• Wreck-It Ralph director Rich Moore tells USA Today that he’s overwhelmed by the reception the film has received and he hopes children today are inspired by his work the same way he was when watching Disney classics a kid.

• The Oregonian talks with Chris Butler, one of the Paranorman directors (Sam Fell is the other), who says “it’s the ‘darker’ stories that present fear and challenges… I wanted to show how challenges can be overcome. The only way to work out our fears is to know they exist”.

• Brave directors Mark Andrews and Brenda Chapman spoke with THR about the challenges with making Brave, a film with Pixar’s first female protagonist, first fairy tale, and first female director.

• Peter Lord, looking for his first win with his third bid, discusses the somewhat surprising nomination for The Pirates! Band of Misfits with BBC News. While not expecting to come how with the prize, he does hope to stand next to some celebrities and get in their photos! He also discusses Hugh Grant’s performance, and the effort required to bring emotion to stop motion characters.