By I’ve said this before and I’ll say it again: Toy Story changed the animation world when it was released in 1995. In the 16 years since the release, computer-animated films have overtaken the field, rendering traditional-animated films a very distant memory. We live in a world where “animated films” typically come from DreamWorks or Pixar, the two head CGI animation studios, and kids born since the mid-90s probably don’t experience the same type of magic we all did when we first watched The Lion King.
However, the traditional animation form isn’t dead, as the animation market outside of the US isn’t as stonewalled by CGI animation studios. For example, the European-made The Illusionist seemingly came out of nowhere to high accolades by our very own Xander Markham, showing that traditional animation still has a few tricks up its sleeves. And Summer Wars, the Japanese anime film by acclaimed The Girl Who Leapt Through Time director, Mamoru Hosoda, filtered its way into some lucky American eyes this past year to great praise, itself.
Were they enough to beat out the final entry in the Toy Story trilogy?
I've said this before and I'll say it again: Toy Story changed the animation world when it was released in 1995. In the 16 years since the release, computer-animated films have overtaken the field, rendering traditional-animated films a very distant memory. We live in a world where "animated films" typically come from DreamWorks or Pixar, the two head CGI animation studios, and kids born since the mid-90s probably don't experience the same type of magic we all did when we first watched The Lion King.
However, the traditional animation form isn't dead, as the animation market outside of the US isn't as stonewalled by CGI animation studios. For example, the European-made The Illusionist seemingly came out of nowhere to high accolades by our very own Xander Markham, showing that traditional animation still has a few tricks up its sleeves. And Summer Wars, the Japanese anime film by acclaimed The Girl Who Leapt Through Time director, Mamoru Hosoda, filtered its way into some lucky American eyes this past year to great praise, itself.
Were they enough to beat out the final entry in the Toy Story trilogy?
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And it's Toy Story 3 taking this year's top animated honors. Despite the clear landslide, The Illusionist's second place honor shouldn't go unmentioned. Who knows? Maybe if it had a wide release, it'd have taken this year's Flixie. The same could be said for Summer Wars. Regardless, congratulations go to Pixar for their decisive win. I greatly look forward to what 2011 has to offer, including the kind of attention both of our non-DreamWorks nominees can get if/when they get larger attention in the US.
(Side note: The Illusionist is playing in select theaters across the country, so check your listings if you're interested. Summer Wars is coming out on Blu-Ray/DVD on 2/15.)
Vote Breakdown
- Toy Story 3 – 8
- The Illusionist – 3
- Summer Wars – 2
- How to Train Your Dragon – 2