Which animated character is widely regarded as the first non human to receive a special Academy Award Oscar?

Introduction / Context:
The Academy Awards, or Oscars, usually honour human artists such as actors, directors and technicians. However, in film history some iconic animated characters have been recognised through special awards. This light hearted general knowledge question asks about the first non human character to be honoured in this way, which is useful trivia for cinema and entertainment sections.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The award is a special Academy Award Oscar.
• The recipient is a non human animated character.
• We must choose the correct character from classic and modern options.

Concept / Approach:
Mickey Mouse, created by Walt Disney, became one of the earliest and most influential cartoon characters in cinema history. In nineteen thirty two, the Academy presented Walt Disney an honorary award for the creation of Mickey Mouse, effectively recognising the character as a cultural phenomenon. For quiz and exam purposes, Mickey Mouse is therefore known as the first non human to receive an Oscar level recognition.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall classic animated characters linked with early Academy Awards. Step 2: Identify Mickey Mouse as the oldest and most historically significant among the options. Step 3: Remember that the award was given for the creation of Mickey Mouse as a character. Step 4: Note that other characters such as Ninja Turtle or Bender come from later popular culture and are not linked with early Oscar honours. Step 5: Select Mickey Mouse as the correct answer.

Verification / Alternative check:
To verify, one can connect the timeline of early sound cartoons. Steamboat Willie, starring Mickey Mouse, was released in nineteen twenty eight and became a landmark. By nineteen thirty two, Mickey had become so popular that the Academy recognised Walt Disney contribution with a special award. No such comparable early recognition exists for the other characters listed.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Pussycat: This is a generic term and not a specific iconic character officially honoured by the Academy.
Ninja Turtle: Refers to characters from Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, a later franchise without such early Oscar recognition.
Bender: A robot character from the animated series Futurama, not known for receiving Academy Awards.
Donald Duck: Another famous Disney character, but the special Oscar recognition in this sense is historically linked first with Mickey Mouse.

Common Pitfalls:
Students might be tempted to choose Donald Duck because of his popularity, or they may think that newer characters have received modern honours. Another pitfall is not distinguishing between film awards and television or other media awards. Remember that the question focuses on an early special Academy Award and that Mickey Mouse holds that distinction.

Final Answer:
The first non human animated character to receive a special Academy Award Oscar recognition is Mickey Mouse.