Patton Oswalt, who was recently nominated by the Chicago, Toronto and Los Angeles Film Critics’ Associations for his performance in the film Young Adult will host this year’s 39th Annual Annie Awards on Feb. 4, at UCLA’s Royce Hall.
“The Annies are where the real weirdos hang, and it’s a visual feast just to have a drink with them,” said Oswalt. “I can’t wait.” Celebrating the best in animation, this annual black-tie evening will begin with a pre-reception at 5 p.m. followed by the Annie Awards ceremony at 7 p.m. and an after-party celebration immediately following the ceremony. All events will be held at Royce Hall.
“Patton’s comedic talent, audacious humor and love for animation will bring great energy and visibility, not to mention fun to this year’s ceremony,’’ said ASIFA-Hollywood president Frank Gladstone. “We are extremely excited to have him aboard.” Patton provided the voice for Remy the rat in Pixar’s Oscar winning Ratatouille, and also characters on Word Girl and Neighbors from Hell. He has appeared in countless television shows, both animated and live action, and more than 20 films, including Magnolia, Big Fan, Starsky and Hutch and The Informant. Patton will be joined on stage by a mix of animation luminaries, celebrity presenters and comedic talent including animation legend June Foray and Judy Greer, JK Simmons, James Hong, Jib Jab founders Greg and Evan Spiridellis, Nika Futterman, Ty Burrell, Kelly Stables, Tara Strong, Daran Norris, Dee Bradley Baker and Logan Grove.
This year’s Winsor McCay recipients are Walt Peregoy, Borge Ring and Ronald Searle. Searle’s award will be posthumous, as he passed late last year at the age of 91. The Winsor McCay Award is one of the highest honors given to an individual in the animation industry in recognition of career contributions to the art of animation.
