Variety Animators to Watch 2024: LA Event Details
- Los Angeles will host Variety's annual 10 Animators to Watch event July 9, celebrating the next generation of animation talent.
- The party coincides with the release of Variety's 10 Animators to Watch feature, scheduled for release July 9. The feature will explore the creative journeys of these animators...
- Chris Miller, known for his work on "Puss in Boots" and "Shrek the Third," will receive the 2025 Creative Impact in Animation Award.His latest film, "Smurfs," is set...
Los Angeles prepares to celebrate the future of animation! Variety‘s annual “10 Animators to Watch” event, happening July 9, spotlights the rising stars poised to reshape storytelling across film, television, and streaming. Chris Miller, celebrated for his work on beloved animated features, will receive the 2025 Creative Impact in Animation Award.The event, sponsored by Nickelodeon, recognizes the creative journeys of these animators and previews their upcoming works. Our team at News Directory 3 is excited to highlight the animators who are at the forefront of innovation. Discover the visionaries behind “Smurfs” and other groundbreaking projects. See the artists, including Brooke Shay Bradford, Kasey Fagerquist, and others, who are defining the next era. Explore the details of the event and the creative narratives of those honored. Discover what’s next for animation.
Animation Trailblazers to Be Honored at Annual Los Angeles Event
Los Angeles will host Variety’s annual 10 Animators to Watch event July 9, celebrating the next generation of animation talent. sponsored by Nickelodeon, the event highlights rising stars whose work influences storytelling in film, television and streaming.
The party coincides with the release of Variety’s 10 Animators to Watch feature, scheduled for release July 9. The feature will explore the creative journeys of these animators and preview their upcoming projects. The event will focus on the future of animation and the role of these key animators.
Chris Miller, known for his work on “Puss in Boots” and “Shrek the Third,” will receive the 2025 Creative Impact in Animation Award.His latest film, “Smurfs,” is set to premiere july 18.
Ramsey Naito, president of Paramount Animation and Nickelodeon animation, expressed excitement about partnering with Variety to honor artists redefining animation. Naito noted the recognition of Kasey Fagerquist and Margaret wuller, both involved in “Smurfs,” on the 10 Animators to Watch list. She also praised Miller’s direction of “smurfs,” for capturing the spirit of the original drawings. The event highlights the importance of animation and its creative impact.
The 2025 “10 Animators to Watch” list includes:
- Brooke Shay Bradford – Animation Supervisor, DreamWorks Animation
- Kasey Fagerquist – Story Artist, “Smurfs”
- Juston Gordon-Montgomery – Creator, ”Invincible Fight Girl”
- Todd Harris – Showrunner, “Eyes of Wakanda”
- And park – Art Director, Characters, Walt Disney Animation Studios
- CJ Sarchene – Head of Character animation, “Gabby’s Dollhouse: The Movie”
- Cristina Sotta – Supervising Director, “Batman: Caped Crusader”
- Alon Winterstein – Animation Supervisor, Pixar Animation Studios
- Daniel Lim you yan – Lead Animator, DNEG Animation
- Kirill Yeretsky – Co-Founder & Creative Director, Tomato Beach
What’s next
The honorees are expected to continue shaping the animation landscape with innovative projects and creative storytelling, influencing the future of the industry.