Andrew Stanton

A key figure in the development of Pixar Studios, Andrew Stanton was the writer-director of some of the computer animation company's biggest hits, including "Toy Story" (1995), "A Bug's Life" (1998), "Finding Nemo" (2003) and "WALL-E." In the grand tradition of Disney's animation team from the 1930s and such legendary figures as Ray Harryhausen and Don Bluth, Stanton's best films were a near-perfect balance of breathtaking visuals and heart-tugging emotion; the lifelike quality of cowboy toy Woody or the silent, industrious robot WALL-E never overwhelmed their fully rendered hopes and dreams and ambitions. The combination of these elements brought Stanton significant acclaim and considerable awards, but more importantly, it established him as one of the most creative figures in motion pictures - live action and animated - working in 21st century Hollywood.