Monsters University, alumnus wins animation award

Illustration alumnus Dan Scanlon (CCAD 1998), director of Disney/Pixar's $700 million-grossing flick Monsters University, and producer Kori Rae will take home the Hollywood Animation Award at the 17th Annual Hollywood Film Awards Oct. 21.

Along with making his directorial debut, Scanlon also co-wrote the film's story and screenplay.

Founder and Executive Director of the Hollywood Film Awards Carlos De Abreu sang the film's praises in an article in The Hollywood Reporter. "The animation and storytelling of Monster's University reflects Pixar’s creativity and greatness," said De Abreu.

Since joining Pixar in 2001, Scanlon’s film credits include Cars, The Little Mermaid II, 101 Dalmatians II, and Toy Story 3 as a storyboard artist and The Indescribable Nth and Joseph: King of Dreams as an animator. He also co-directed the short film Mater and the Ghostlight.

Previous winners of the Hollywood Animation Award include Ratatouille (2007), Wall-E (2008), Up (2009), Toy Story 3 (2010), Rango (2011), and Rise of the Guardians (2012).

Scanlon attended Clawson High School in Clawson, MI. He currently resides in San Francisco, CA.