But even if an anime were to meet the original airdate/release qualification, a member of Asifa-Hollywood (who is also, most likely, involved with the nomination-seeking project) would still have to enter it for consideration.

"Generally speaking, the producer or executive producer enters a project or individual, making it easier to complete the entry form since either an executive producer or producer has to sign it," Manoogian explains. He continues by remarking that few anime titles enter the process.

With only a few anime producers even members of Asifa, let alone its Hollywood hub, the nominations remain devoid of Japanese representation. Manoogian admits that Asifa-Hollywood is a small organization with few resources available to provide adequate international outreach - something for which they must depend on Asifa. However, he enthusiastically calls for anyone to approach Asifa-Hollywood with projects for consideration.

Another, more popular awards show may provide more publicity for anime than the Annies ever could. The Academy Awards announced the creation of the new "Best Animated Feature" category on September 27, 2000. But even it comes with strings. In order for the category to exist in a given year there needs to be a release of eight or more eligible films between January 1 and December 31 of the previous year. The 74th Academy Awards in 2002 will be the first time the "Best Animated Feature" category will be able to meet this criterion.

Though even with an animation category in the Academy Awards, anime may still remain underrepresented if original Japanese animation lacks the inroads to industry voters. Similar to the Annies, Academy members have to nominate features, making it more difficult for limited release anime to work its way into the spotlight.

Be it the specialized Annie Awards or a single category in the big conglomerate that is the Academy Awards, anime will have to proactively seek recognition by these awards' voters and, ultimately, the mainstream audience.