Andrew Stanton

Andrew Stanton cropped 2009

Andrew Stanton is an American film director, screenwriter, producer, and voice actor, best known for his work with Pixar Animation Studios. Born on December 3, 1965, in Rockport, Massachusetts, Stanton has played a significant role in the development of some of the most beloved animated films of the modern era.

Early Life and Education

Stanton grew up with a deep interest in film and animation. He pursued his passion by attending The California Institute of the Arts (CalArts), where he majored in Character Animation. During his time at CalArts, Stanton honed his skills and connected with future collaborators, including John Lasseter and Pete Docter, who would also become key figures at Pixar.

Career at Pixar

Andrew Stanton joined Pixar in the early 1990s, becoming the studio's second animator and ninth employee. His early work at Pixar included writing and animating for the studio's first feature film, Toy Story (1995), where he was credited as a writer. Stanton's storytelling abilities were evident in Toy Story, which became a critical and commercial success.

Following Toy Story, Stanton went on to direct A Bug's Life (1998), co-directing with John Lasseter. He then directed Finding Nemo (2003), a film that won the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature and became one of the highest-grossing animated movies of its time. Stanton's ability to blend humor, heart, and innovative animation was further showcased in WALL-E (2008), for which he also won the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature.

In addition to his directorial work, Stanton has served as a writer and producer on several other Pixar films, contributing to the studio's reputation for high-quality, emotionally resonant storytelling. His work extends beyond animation, as he directed the live-action film John Carter (2012), although it did not achieve the same level of success as his animated projects.

Voice Acting

Stanton has also lent his voice to several characters in Pixar films, including Crush in Finding Nemo and its sequel Finding Dory (2016), and the evil Emperor Zurg in Lightyear (2022).

Impact and Legacy

Andrew Stanton's contributions to animation and storytelling have had a significant impact on the film industry. His films are known for their emotional depth, innovative animation techniques, and memorable characters. Stanton has been recognized with multiple awards for his work, including two Academy Awards for Best Animated Feature.

Stanton's storytelling philosophy, emphasizing the importance of character and emotional truth, has influenced a generation of animators and filmmakers. His work continues to inspire audiences and creators alike, cementing his legacy as a pivotal figure in the evolution of animated cinema.

Filmography

• Toy Story (1995) - Writer
• A Bug's Life (1998) - Director, Writer
• Toy Story 2 (1999) - Writer
• Monsters, Inc. (2001) - Executive Producer
• Finding Nemo (2003) - Director, Writer
• WALL-E (2008) - Director, Writer
• John Carter (2012) - Director, Writer
• Finding Dory (2016) - Director, Writer
• Lightyear (2022) - Voice Actor