Toronto-based Guru Studios and the National Film Board have been nominated for the 40th annual Annie Awards for some of their animated work in 2012.

Guru Studio secured nominations in three categories, all stemming from its Justin Time original CGI kids adventure series (pictured).

They are:

• best character animation in an animated TV/broadcast production, the company’s  Jennifer Dickie was nominated for her work on the Yodel Odel Day episode.
• best production design in an animated TV/broadcast production, the company’s Brandon James Scott and Lee Keith are nominated for their work on the episode The Rubbery Dumplings.
• best general audience animated TV production for preschool children for the episode Marcello’s Meatballs.

Dickie has been nominated multiple times in the past for her work on The Backyardigans.

Meanwhile, the NFB secured nominations in the best animation short subject category for Bydlo and Kali the Little Vampire.

The Annie Awards are organized by the International Animated Film Society in cooperation with ASIFA-Hollywood. The prizes in more than 30 categories will be handed out in Los Angeles on Feb. 2.