With the loss of Powers as distributor , Disney studios signed a contract with Columbia Pictures to distribute the Mickey Mouse cartoons , which became increasingly popular , including internationally . Disney , always keen to embrace new technology , filmed '' Flowers and Trees '' ( 1932 ) in full-color three-strip Technicolor ; he was also able to negotiate a deal giving him the sole right to use the three-strip process until August 31 , 1935 . All subsequent '' Silly Symphony '' cartoons were in color . '' Flowers and Trees '' was popular with audiences and won the Academy Award for best Short Subject ( Cartoon ) at the 1932 ceremony . Disney had been nominated for another film in that category , '' Mickey 's Orphans '' , and received an Honorary Award " for the creation of Mickey Mouse "
1932 ceremony
5th Academy Awards
Walt Disney