predictions 2012: can pixar make up for a bum 2011?

Look - we already know that Brave will more likely than not be a return to form for Pixar after last year's unlikely misstep with Cars 2, but the real question will be whether or not it can crack the Best Picture crowd without a guaranteed 10-wide field.  Boasting the studio's first-ever leading female character, it'll be interesting how box office receipts fare, but ideally she'll rake it in and encourage future similar endeavors. The other big question mark for me is The Lorax. Sure, it'll be a top 10 of the year entry, but will the so-so reviews translate to a nomination? Check out my year-ahead Best Animated Feature thoughts.