Board of ASIFA-Hollywood Decides to Proceed with 52nd Annual Annie Awards Amidst Devastating Fires
Los Angeles, CA - The board of ASIFA-Hollywood, the organization behind the prestigious Annie Awards, has voted to move forward with the 52nd annual ceremony despite the devastating fires that have ravaged Los Angeles in recent weeks.
In light of the significant impact the fires have had on the animation community, the board carefully considered the implications and the need to support those affected. After much deliberation, they determined that postponing or scaling back the event would not be in the best interests of the community.
"We represent the animation community, and it's crucial that we support them during this challenging time," said Aubry Mintz, executive director of ASIFA-Hollywood. "By holding the Annies, we can provide a sense of community and unity."
Although the event will proceed, it will be modified to reflect the somber tone of the situation. The ceremony will include announcements of ongoing efforts to consolidate resources and provide support for those who have suffered losses due to the fires.
One major initiative announced during the Annies will be a fundraising campaign.
"We are still learning about the extent of the damage," Mintz said. "But we have approved a fundraising initiative to aid those in our community who have lost their homes and belongings. Animation is a close-knit industry, and we will come together to support each other."
ASIFA-Hollywood is collaborating with industry executives, producers, and artists to distribute the funds.
The venue for the awards ceremony, Royce Hall at UCLA, was initially under an evacuation warning due to the fires. However, the venue has been cleared and the planning process is underway.
This year's Annie nominees include highly anticipated titles such as "Inside Out 2," "Kung Fu Panda 4," and "Wallace & Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl" in the Best Feature category.
"The Annies will honor exceptional achievements in animation across 32 categories," said Mintz. "It's my first year as executive director, and I'm grateful for the support of our community. Our focus is on supporting and recognizing the incredible work being done in animation."
The 52nd Annual Annie Awards will be held on Saturday, February 8th, at Royce Hall on the campus of UCLA. The pre-event reception begins at 4:30 p.m., and the awards ceremony commences at 7 p.m.