On Sunday evening, the Hollywood Foreign Press Association handed out its annual Golden Globe Awards to honor performances and productions in both film and television. Frozen, directed by CalArts alumnus Chris Buck (Film/Video 78) and Jennifer Lee took home the top prize in the Best Animated Feature Film category.
The musical from Disney Animation has become a blockbuster, generating nearly $318 million domestically and more than $712 million internationally, making it the biggest Disney animated film in history—surpassing even the 1994 classic The Lion King.
Set in the Scandinavian kingdom of Arendelle, two estranged sisters (and princesses) must work together to save their land.
Buck, a Disney Animation veteran who also taught at CalArts from 1988-93, and Lee, best-known for penning Wreck-It Ralph, were both in attendance at Sunday’s ceremony. In their televised acceptance speech (posted below), as well as backstage in the press room, the two gave special thanks to Disney/Pixar’s President and former CalArts trustee Ed Catmull and Chief Creative Officer and CalArts alum John Lasseter (Film/Video BFA 79).
When asked whether Disney Animation is enjoying the collaborative environment fostered by its relationship with Pixar, Buck responded:
It is John Lasseter and Ed Catmull from Pixar that came down to Disney, bringing that same structure and environment to Disney animation. It really is a collaborative effort. John is the first one to say, ‘Best idea in the room wins.’ So we help each other out. The directors help each other out, the writers, story artists, everybody does. It is such a healthy environment there…and I think that’s showing in the films.”
The day after the film’s Golden Globes win, Disney announced that it is developing Frozen for Broadway.