The stars of the animation world gathered under the stars last night for the opening-night gala of the World Animation and VFX Summit, which feted some of the biggest names in the industry.
The party kicked off the summit’s schedule of two days of panels, discussions and keynotes and a day of touring Los Angeles-area animation studios, presenting awards to this year’s honorees.
Starting off the ceremony was Animation Magazine president and publisher Jean Thoren, who welcomed master of ceremonies and voice over artist Roger Rose to start the presentations.
This year’s honorees are:
- Bonnie Arnold (How to Train Your Dragon 2): Feature Producer of the Year Award
- Jim Cummings (Winnie the Pooh): Voice Talent of the Year Award
- Ellen Goldsmith-Vein (The Gotham Group’s Founder): Talent Manager/Producer of the Year Award
- RGH (Rubicon Group Holding): Breakout Studio of the Year Award
- Phil Roman (Iconic animator and founder of Film Roman): Lifetime Achievement Award
- David Silverman (The Simpsons): Director of the Year Award
Presenters included talk-show host and voice actor Craig Ferguson; Nancy Cartwright, the voice of Bart Simpson; Emmy-winning Simpsons producer Bill Schultz; and Julie Kane-Ritsch, head of animation and family entertainment for The Gotham Group.
