Black Women Animate has announced the honorees for the second annual Black in Animation Awards Show, recognizing Black artists and executives for their contributions to the industry. Themed “Lift While We Climb” — a message which reflects BWA’s intention to ensure an equitable and ongoing pipeline of Black creatives in animation — the ceremony on November 14 will once again be hosted by Steven Universe voice star and Grammy-winning musician, Estelle.
The 2021 Nomination Committee comprises Sidney Clifton (Exec Producer, Jim Henson and Deluxe / Supervising Producer, BWA Studios), Camille Eden (VP Recruiting & Talent Development, Nickelodeon / Chair of Talent Development, Women in Animation), Jinko Gotoh (Producer, Netflix / VP, Women in Animation), Carl Reed (President, Lion Forge Animation), Nicole Rivera (VP Original Series Development, Cartoon Network), Lynn Southerland (director, Mulan II) and Marlon West (Head of Effects, Walt Disney Animation Studios).
This year’s award recipients are:
- Trailblazer Award – Jay Francis, VP Current Series, Diversity & Inclusion, Disney Television Animation
- Cultural Innovator Award – Mounia Aram, Founder & President, Mounia Aram Company
- Next Gen Award – Tiffany Ford, Storyboard Artist, Craig of the Creek
- Lifetime Achievement Award – Dan Haskett, Animator & Character Designer for Disney, DreamWorks, Pixar, Warner Bros. et al
- International Award – Thandiwe Mlauli, Founder & CEO, Studio Yezi (South Africa)
- Social Impact Spotlight Award – Laurence Ralph, Independent Filmmaker / Professor of Anthropology, Princeton University
The recipient of the Rising Star Award will be determined by the Dolphin Tank short film competition and announced during the ceremony.
The Black in Animation Awards Show will be held virtually on Sunday, Nov. 14 at 5 p.m. PT, following the BWA Studios Boot Camp event. Attendees must register at www.bwabootcamp.com. Both events are produced by BWA Studios in partnership with A Wynn Wynn Productions and West Peek Productions.
[Source: Deadline]
