The Disney/Pixar hit summer movie, “Cars,” which takes place on Route 66, won a Golden Globe on Monday night for Animated Film, the first year of that category.
Here’s an excerpt from the Associated Press report of the awards ceremony:
“Animation is awesome everybody. It’s my life. I’ve lived in it. It’s so exciting to have our own category,” said “Cars” director John Lasseter, the innovative director of the “Toy Story” movies who pioneered the current computer-animation craze.
“Cars” beat out “Happy Feet” and “Monster House” for the honor. It was the only category in which “Cars” was nominated, but I strongly suspect it will receive at least two Academy Awards nominations when they’re announced on Jan. 23.
UPDATE: The Hollywood Reporter filed a notebook from backstage at the Globes ceremony, and had this interesting item to report.
If you needed a reason why it took so long for the Golden Globes to honor animated films, you had to look no further than backstage to see why: Many have no idea what that part of their industry is about. “Cars” director-screenwriter John Lasseter had to endure questions like, “Who are you?” (“John Lasseter.” A figurative tumbleweed blew by.) And “What do you do?” (“Animated film.” Another one blew by.) And one woman insisted that “Cars” was the last movie that was being distributed by the Walt Disney Co. Lasseter very patiently explained to her that Pixar joined Disney and that they were planning to make many movies together. Lasseter later found his groove, expounding his love of animation and how 2006 had been a banner year for animated films. And he said that while this is a fantastic award, he doesn’t make movies for the acclaim. “To see a little boy carrying a Lightning McQueen doll, to see them carrying something that I created … that to me is why I do what I do. It’s very special.” And look out, actors. When Lasseter is talking to you on the Golden Globes red carpet or at a party, he just might be looking for voice talent. In fact, that’s how he met Tony Shalhoub, who ended up playing Luigi in “Cars.” “I’ve been known to talk to a few actors on the red carpet,” he said slyly.
You can bet that Lasseter will get a bit more respect at the Oscars.
Fantistic and congratulations! I’ve not talked to one person, child or adult, that saw the movie and didn’t come away with a lump in their throat for the story presented in such an appealing way. The presentation appealed to the youngsters and was intriguing enough to hold the adults interest. We received a history lesson and wasn’t even aware of it. This has got to be the biggest “boost” for The Mother Road in years and with the interest in the movie “CARS”, Route 66 should be in good condition for many years and generations to come. Way to go!
Another honor for my favorite movie of last year. Never thought I’d be saying that about an animated movie.
I liked Lassiter’s comment about life being the trip and not the destination.
By the way, a friend was showing off his new surround-sound system and we were watching “Cars.” I told him about your excellent comparison between the movie and the real people and places. He was impressed. Again, great job on it. Too bad Pixar doesn’t include that on the DVD.
I bought the DVD for the kids once it came out…..and got the video game for my son for Xmas.
Still haven’t watched the actual movie yet though.
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