The Incredibles is ahead of Shrek 2 in the race for the animation world''s awards, the Annies. The Incredibles, about a superhero family coping with civilian life, has 16 nominations for the awards from the International Animated Film Society.

Shrek 2, the biggest US box office hit since Titanic, has seven nominations, as does Shark Tale reports BBC online.

Finding Nemo won nine Annies at this year''s ceremony. 2005''s awards will be handed out in California on 30 January.

Among the nominations notched up by The Incredibles are best animated feature, best music and best director for Brad Bird.

Samuel L Jackson has also been nominated for best voice acting for his role as superhero Frozone.

Anthony Banderas also competes in that category for his voicing of the role of Puss in Boots in Shrek 2.

Other contenders in the best film category include The SpongeBob Squarepants Movie, Ghost in the Shell 2: Innocence and Shrek 2.

The best animated television production section includes SpongeBob Squarepants, My Life as a Teenage Robot and Star Wars: The Clone Wars.