[“Give me ‘The Academy’ for $600”] This was only the second animated film to be nominated for Best Picture, after “Beauty and the Beast”

Ever stared at a blank square in your
crossword clue
grid, wondering if the puzzle setter was reading your mind… or just trying to break your spirit? There are those moments when a
crossword clue
feels less like a simple question and more like an invitation to a deep dive into obscure trivia or a specific niche of knowledge. Today, we’re unraveling one such brilliant head-scratcher that perfectly blends pop culture, cinematic history, and a touch of game show flair.

The
crossword clue
in question, likely a multi-word answer of a certain length, reads: “Give me ‘The Academy’ for $600. This was only the second animated film to be nominated for Best Picture, after “Beauty and the Beast”.”

Now, this isn’t just any
crossword clue
; it’s a meticulously crafted piece of wordplay and historical reference. For many
crossword clue
enthusiasts, animated films might not be the first category that springs to mind when contemplating the most prestigious award in cinema. The phrase “Give me ‘The Academy’ for $600” immediately transports you to the world of classic quiz shows, hinting that the answer is a specific entity or concept related to the film industry’s highest honors. This clever setup frames the puzzle perfectly, pointing directly to the Academy Awards.

The heart of this
crossword clue
, however, lies in its historical precision. The reference to
Beauty and the Beast
is crucial. Its groundbreaking nomination for Best Picture in 1991 was a monumental achievement, a true barrier-breaker for the animation medium. Before that moment, animated features, no matter how beloved or critically acclaimed, were generally relegated to their own category, perceived as separate from the ‘serious’ cinematic contenders.
Beauty and the Beast
shattered that perception, proving that storytelling, artistry, and emotional depth could transcend the traditional boundaries of live-action film and compete on the grandest stage.

So, to solve this particular
crossword clue
, you’re tasked with recalling which animated feature managed to repeat that extraordinary feat. Which film, released after
Beauty and the Beast
, also captivated enough Academy voters to earn a coveted Best Picture nomination? It’s a film that had to possess a similar level of artistic merit, critical acclaim, and cultural impact to elevate it beyond typical genre confines. It had to be a work of such profound storytelling and visual innovation that it demanded consideration alongside the year’s top dramas, epics, and independent features.

This
crossword clue
isn’t just about naming a movie; it’s about recognizing a significant moment in Hollywood’s evolving relationship with animated cinema. It requires a specific piece of knowledge about a very particular Oscar year and the film that continued to push the boundaries of what animation could achieve on the grandest stage. Did this particular
crossword clue
stump you, or did you crack it instantly? It’s certainly one that provokes thought and demands a specific slice of cinematic trivia.

Available Answers:

WHAT’S “UP”?.

Last seen on the crossword puzzle: 0814-25 NY Times Crossword 14 Aug 25, Thursday