REEL NEWS:The recent stirling work by Irish animators – think all those Oscar nominations – has been recognised by the prestigious Annecy International Animation Film Festival.

Next year's event will join the Screen Directors Guild of Ireland to pay special tribute to the nation's achievements in this field.

The SDGI's Jason Tammemagi commented: "We are thrilled to have Ireland as the spotlight country of the prestigious Annecy 2012 festival, a recognition of how Irish animation has made its mark globally and also a celebration of the quality, diversity and creativity of Irish animation talent."

The festivities begin in southeastern France next June. See annecy.org.