The 2008 British Animation Award finalists were announced this morning. Winners will be announced on March 13th in a ceremony at the BFI. Digital Arts reports

Aardman Animations lead the way with four nominations: Best Children’s Series, New Media: Best Commissioned Animation, Craft Award and Best Short Film. Internationally-acclaimed Pearce Sisters, created by Aardman’s Luis Cook, received two nominations. In the hotly contested Craft Award, Aardman will find tough competition from Dreams & Desires: Family Ties by renowned animator Joanna Quinn as well as Ian Mackinnon’s Adjustment. Best Short Film nominations also include Elizabeth Hobbs’ The Old, Old, Very Old Man, and Yours Truly directed by Osbert Parker who is considered one of Britain’s strongest new talents.

Other nominations of note: Sweeney Todd was nominated for Best Film and TV Graphics for its title sequence, and Suzie Templeton’s Peter & the Wolf (which has also been nominated for an Oscar) is up for Best TV Specials. Congratulations to all nominees!