Variety Honors New Class of 10 Animators to Watch and Toasts the Legacies of Nick Park, Ramsey Naito and 25 Years of ‘SpongeBob’
variety.comSelena Kuznikov The creators behind Hollywood’s latest and upcoming animated projects, including “Inside Out 2,” “Transformers One” and more, were celebrated at Variety‘s 10 Animators to Watch.
The event and cocktail reception, presented by Nickelodeon, were held at The Aster in Hollywood on July 10. Variety Senior Awards Editor Clayton Davis kicked off the ceremony by introducing Josh Cooley, director of “Toy Story 4” and the upcoming “Transformers One,” who presented Paramount Animation and Nickelodeon Animation President Ramsey Naito with the inaugural Executive Impact in Animation award. “[Ramsey] understands the power of giving filmmakers the freedom to make creative decisions,” Cooley said. “Her no house style approach also allows creators to build distinct immersive visual worlds and allows us to take creative swings so we can all tell inspiring, meaningful and creative stories.” Naito accepted her award and said she loves animation because of its unique challenges: limitless possibilities, the ability to cross borders with storytelling and the potential to influence people. “Art for me is empowering, it’s exciting, it’s acceptance, new ground, inspiration, it’s revolution,” Naito said. “It’s my culture.
Art has always connected me to people and worlds, and later in life to animation. Which was the best surprise of all.” Naito also pointed to the voice cast of Spongebob Squarepants, who were present at the event (along with a cake recreation of Spongebob’s iconic pineapple home).
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