Animation writer Ken Keeler picked up the first ever Animation Award at the 55th Annual Writers Guild Awards bi-coastal ceremonies March 8, 2003 for his FUTURAMA teleplay "Godfellas." It was the first time all animated programs (long form original, long form adaptation, specials and episodic) competed in the new television animation category. Animation programming scripted by WGA members had previously been submitted under the appropriate category (i.e. 30-minute comedy, hour-long drama). This year's new animation category was open to all members of the Animation Writers Caucus, whether or not the show was covered by WGA guidelines. For future nominees, the WGA's Patric M. Verrone told AWN that the hope is to have only shows covered by the WGA or The Animation Guild, Local 839, be eligible to submit. FUTURAMA, which has not been renewed by FOX, beat out FOX's Sunday night anchors THE SIMPSONS and KING OF THE HILL, plus the FOX special SANTA, BABY! written by Peter Bakalian and Suzanne Collins for Rankin/Bass. The WGA West ceremonies were held in Beverly Hills at the Beverly Hilton Hotel, and the WGA East ceremonies were held in New York City at the Pierre Hotel. For the full list of nominees and winners, visit www.wga.org.
