The Alex Theater's crowded courtyard. All photos courtesy of ASIFA-Hollywood unless otherwise noted.

On November 10, 2001 at a gala ceremony hosted by voice actor Billy West, ASIFA-Hollywood's 29th Annual Annie Awards were presented. The big winner was Shrek, which took home eight Annie's including outstanding theatrical feature and outstanding directing for an animated feature. The Emperor's New Groove nabbed three awards, for female performer in an animated feature (Eartha Kitt as Yzma), best song and outstanding individual character animation. In television, once again The Simpsons took home the award for outstanding primetime show. Matt Groening's other creation, Futurama, took home awards for outstanding male performer in an animated television production and outstanding writing. Independent animation studio Wild Brain received awards for animated short subject and outstanding animated production for the Internet. Congratulations to everyone!

Shrek co-directors Andrew Adamson and Vicky Jenson, winners for Outstanding Individual Achievement For Directing In An Animated Feature Production.

Join us for a photo gallery from the event.

The presenters kept the show moving at a fast and humorous clip. While last year's pre- and post- parties were dampened by an usually cold snap for California, this year the weather cooperated nicely and Glendale's Alex Theater was packed with a veritable who's who in the Los Angeles animation community. While 2001 has been a tough year for the industry, the atmosphere was surprisingly upbeat with plenty of networking being done in the courtyard. As usual, ASIFA-Hollywood presented a well-organized show, with plenty of time before and after to see old friends, make new ones and talk over a glass of champagne. The event presented a very nice opportunity for our community to gather and celebrate itself when it most needs it.