Animated Oscar Winners 2020

Its been an interesting year for animation with the return of a more traditional hand drawn look with films like Klaus and shorts films as well. Two animated shorts, which are in competition for this year's Oscars Short Film(animated) catagory are "Hair Love" and "Kitbull". 

Both are in color and are traditionally animated. Both films are sponsored by movie studios; "Hair Love" with Sony Picture Animation and "Kitbull" with Pixar SparkShorts program.

I had seen Hair Love and was sure it would win, however after seeing Kitbull, Hair Love has found its competition.

I'm going out on a limb here to make a prediction, Hair Love is a human film about love, hair and the black community, but its more of a universal story with appeal. Its has a lot of strong storytelling inside it, as well as a message of hope. I am predicting that "Hair Love" will win the Oscar!

If it does, please take a look/listen to this recent interview with the directors of the film. https://youtu.be/7CPvoVOooPk  

Now, don't get me wrong, I like Kitbull too. The story is about a small abandoned kitten who meets an abandoned Pitbull. We learn that the Pitbull wants to play, but is chained up and used in a bad way by his owner. 

The animation of the kitten is great and like Hair Love its colorful, traditionally animated and told with music. Kitbull also is a story of hope, where the two animals finally find a better home together.

I know there is not much time before the Oscars begin on this wet and rainy Sunday, but please leave a comment below. Which film did you like like the most?

Dear Basketball, a remembrance of Kobe Bryant

I never got the chance to meet Kobe Bryant , but I did have the opportunity to see him at an animation awards show for his film, “Dear Basketball,” which won an Oscar for best animated short in 2018.

I watched this kid grow up on television and we both came to Los Angeles the same year, 1996. He always wanted to be one of the greatest basketball players that ever lived, even better than Michael Jordan. And after 20 years with the the Lakers, five NBA Championships, two MVP Awards and two Olympic gold medals, he did just that.

I always had the upmost respect for Kobe as a basketball player, even though I would sometimes root against him. I really appreciated his "Mamba Mentality", as he liked to call it. His incredible work ethic pushed him to be even better than anyone ever thought he could be.

The tragedy that happened to him, his 13-year-old daughter, Gianna, and seven other people on that fateful helicopter flight is unimaginable. Our hearts and prayers truly go out to their families.

And although Los Angeles is feeling the pain and grief, I would like to take a moment to reflect on one aspect of his life which I had the privilege to be a part of.

My animated short film, “Watchcat,” was selected to be a part of the animation festival which meant competing against “Dear Basketball.” I had the opportunity to meet the film's director, legendary animator Glen Keane, at the premiere and it was all so truly amazing!  In Kobe’s own words, "It’s a love letter to basketball," a poem on his love of a sport that, even as a child, he believed he could be a part of. The animation was amazing and the music by John Williams was nothing less than spectacular.  It was deep, personal and moving.

I would like to share this short gem in remembrance of Kobe and Gianna Bryant, and the rest of the people on that helicopter.

RIP Black Mamba