Cartoonist Willie Ito to Receive Animation’s ‘Oscar’
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A sketch by Willie Ito of the iconic spaghetti kissing scene from “Lady and the Tramp,” which he worked on.
By ELLEN ENDO, Rafu Shimpo
Pioneering Nisei cartoon artist Willie Ito has been chosen to receive the Winsor McCay Award during the 48
th annual Annies, the animation industry’s version of the Oscars, on April 16, it was announced by ASIFA-Hollywood, a nonprofit devoted to cultivating and promoting the art, craft, and profession of animation.
Named in honor of animator Winsor McCay, best known as a prolific artist and pioneer in the art of comic strips and animation, the award stands as one of the highest honors given to an individual in the animation industry in recognition for career contributions to the art of animation.