On Monday, Dec. 2, the International Animated Film Association (ASIFA-Hollywood) announced the nominees for the 47th annual Annie Awards, which honor excellence in the animation industry. As in previous years, CalArtians are strongly represented among those shortlisted. Two of this year’s Best Animated Feature contenders — Frozen 2 and Klaus and Toy Story 4 — were directed by Chris Buck (Film/Video 78) and Jennifer Lee and Sergio Pablos (Film/Video 92), respectively.
Those featured contenders are also nominated in other categories, including Best Character Design and Best Direction for an Animated Feature.
The Addams Family also earned a number of Annie nominations. The film was co-directed by CalArtian Conrad Vernon (Film/Video 92) and also featured the talents of character designer Craig Kellman (Film/Video 90), who is up for Best Character Design in an Animated Feature.
Several CalArtian animators will also be honored during the live awards ceremony in January. The Winsor McCay Award, one of the animation industry’s highest honors, will be awarded to Henry Selick (Film/Video MFA 77) and John Musker (Film/Video 77). Musker’s longtime directing partner Ron Clements will also receive the award. The June Foray Award, given for significant and benevolent or charitable impact on the art and industry of animation, will be awarded to Jeanette Bonds (Film/Video BFA 11, MFA 13).
The Annie Award winners will be announced at a ceremony on Saturday, Jan. 25 at UCLA’s Royce Hall.
See the list of nominated CalArtians below:
Best Animated Feature
- Frozen 2, Chris Buck (Film/Video 78) (story directed by Marc Smith (Film/Video 93))
- Klaus, Sergio Pablos (Film/Video 92)
- Toy Story 4, Andrew Stanton (Film/Video BFA 87)
Best VR
- Bonfire, Baobab Studios (studio founded and run by Eric Darnell (Film/Video MFA 90))
Best Character Design: Feature
- The Addams Family, Craig Kellman (Film/Video 1990)
- Frozen 2, Bill Schwab (former School of Film/Video faculty)
Best Character Design: TV/Media
- DC Super Hero Girls, Episode: #SweetJustice Pt. 1-4, Lauren Faust (Film/Video 95)
Best Character Animation: Video Game
- Sinclair Snake: Museum Mischief, Nelson Boles (Film/Video BFA 12)
Best Direction: TV/Media
- DC Super Hero Girls, Natalie Wetzig (Film/Video BFA 12)
- Disney Mickey Mouse, Alonso Ramirez Ramos (Film/Video BFA 10)
Best Direction: Feature
- Frozen 2, Chris Buck (Film/Video 78)
- Klaus, Sergio Pablos (Film/Video 92)
Best Production Design: TV/Media
- Carmen Sandiego, Linda Fong (Film/Video BFA 15)
Best Storyboarding: Feature
- Klaus, Sergio Pablos (Film/Video 92)
Best Writing: TV/Media
- Apple & Onion, Sean Szeles (Film/Video BFA 03)
Best Writing: Feature
- Toy Story 4, Andrew Stanton (Film/Video BFA 87)