The rather appropriately named biennial BAA (British Animation Awards) are held tonight at London's BFI on the Southbank.
'SHAUN THE SHEEP MOVIE' (Dirs: Richard Starzak & Mark Burton - Produced by Aardman Animations for Studio Canal.) is pitched against 'STICK MAN' (Dirs: Jeroen Jaspaert & Daniel Snaddon - Produced by Magic Light Pictures) and 'CHILDREN OF THE HOLOCAUST' (Dir: Zane Whittingham - Produced by Fettle Animation for BBC Learning).
BAA Director, Jayne Pilling says: “It’s 20 years since the British Animation Awards began and this is the first awards ceremony to take place since the industry reaped the benefit of the changes to the tax-break arrangements. With the animation industry in rude health, there has never been a better time to celebrate this wonderful, thriving, creative force and we hope to make this the best awards ceremony yet.”
Let's hope 'Team Shaun' can put away the disappointment from the Oscars, Golden Globes and the BAFTA's and come away with this prestigious award tonight. Previous winners include the likes of Tim Burton, Shaun's creator Nick Park, Simon’s Cat creator Simon Tofield, Harry Potter and the Gorillaz.
