The board of ASIFA-Hollywood, the organization behind the 52nd annual Annie Awards, pondered, like many other organizers behind events on the awards season calendar, whether the show should be postponed or scaled back because of the devastating fires that ravaged Los Angeles in early January. Many members of the animation community are among those who’ve been severely impacted.
“We represent the animation community and it’s really important to us, especially at this time, that we support them a thousand percent,” says ASIFA-Hollywood executive director Aubry Mintz. And after much discussion, the board decided that the show will go on, albeit with a somewhat more somber tone and featuring the announcement of efforts to consolidate resources and support for those in the community dealing with various (and in many cases multiple) losses.
“We discussed this with the board: ‘What are the implications if we go forward with the Annies versus pause it or extend it?’ And the majority felt that more than anything people want to feel like they have the community,” he says. “That’s why it’s crucial that we keep it going. The tone will change, but it will feel more supportive.”
One major way it will be supportive is via a fundraising venture that will be announced during the Annies.
“We are still learning about our colleagues who have been evacuated, and those who have lost their homes,” Mintz says. “We’re pleased to report that we have just approved a fundraising initiative that will have substantial reach into our community. Together we will work to achieve our goal of helping provide much-needed financial support for those who have lost so much. Animation is a strong, tight-knit community, and we will unite to support each other through these difficult times.”
ASIFA-Hollywood is collaborating with a yet-to-be-named group of industry executives, producers and artists to raise and distribute funds. This group was created specifically as a response to the animation community being affected and devastated by the fires, Mintz explains. “Both groups are working together on the details and parameters. ASIFA will be the nonprofit that people can donate to and the other group will be facilitating the distribution of the funds.”
One of the things the ASIFA team had to think about in regard to the show was a possible venue change. At one point, Royce Hall, on the campus of UCLA, was under an evacuation warning due to one of the fires. “Are we going to have a venue? How does the community feel having been through this? I mean, there was a while when many of us as individuals were worried we were going to have to evacuate,” notes show producer and ASIFA vice president Frank Gladstone. Fortunately, the venue is good to go and the process of putting on the show is moving forward.
This year, “Inside Out 2,” “Kung Fu Panda 4,” “That Christmas,” “The Wild Robot,” “Ultraman Rising” and “Wallace & Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl” will be vying for the best feature trophy, while “Chicken for Linda!,” “Flow,” “Kensuke’s Kingdom,” “Look Back,” “Mars Express” and “Memoir of a Snail” are competing in the best independent feature category. The Annies nominations recognize all aspects of animation, including voice acting.
This is Mintz’s first year as ASIFA-Hollywood’s executive director, taking over the role from Gladstone, who retired from the post last year but is continuing to produce the annual awards gala. Mintz says he’s thankful to have Gladstone’s guidance as he takes on the role. His main focus has been introducing himself to the various studios and companies that help fund ASIFA’s initiatives outside of the organization’s flagship Annies.
His meetings have been promising. “It shows me and reminds me how important animation is to the community.”
The Annies will honor achievement across 32 categories, including best animated feature and best feature – independent. Nominees for best feature are “Inside Out 2,” “Kung Fu Panda 4,” “That Christmas,” “The Wild Robot,” “Ultraman: Rising” and “Wallace & Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl.” Contending for best feature – independent are “Chicken for Linda!,” “Flow,” “Kensuke’s Kingdom,” “Look Back,” “Mars Express” and Memoir of a Snail.”
The Annies will be held on Saturday, Feb. 8, at Royce Hall on the campus of UCLA. The pre-event reception begins at 4:30 p.m. and the awards ceremony starts at 7 p.m.
