SONG OF THE Sea, an animated film produced by Kilkenny-based animation company Cartoon Saloon, has been nominated for Best Animated Feature at this year’s Academy Awards.

Cartoon Saloon previously nabbed an Oscar nomination for The Secret of Kells.

Directed by Tomm Moore, Song of the Sea features the voices of numerous Irish performers, including Lisa Hannigan, Brendan Gleeson, Pat Shortt and Fionnuala Flanagan.

Based on the Irish legend of the Selkies, “Song of the Sea” tells the story of the last seal-child, Saoirse, and her brother Ben, who go on an epic journey to save the world of magic and discover the secrets of their past. Pursued by the owl witch, Macha, and a host of ancient and mystical creatures, Saoirse and Ben race against time to awaken Saoirse’s powers and keep the spirit world from disappearing forever.

The film beat out the hotly tipped The Lego Movie to a nomination. Not bad going, eh?

Watch the gorgeous trailer below.

According to IMDb, the film will be released in Ireland in March 2015.