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Celebrating Pixar's 24th Anniversary!

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Today marks the 24th anniversary of the company we now know as Pixar Animation Studios.

What a great time to be celebrating Steve Jobs’ February 3rd, 1986 acquisition! Back then, who would’ve thought that the small Lucasfilm spin-off computer company would be nominated for Best Picture at the Oscars?

Of course, one must remember that Pixar’s AMPAS nomination streak started not too long after its founding. Luxo Jr. was up for Best Animated Short back in ’86. It wasn’t until 1988’s Tin Toy that the start-up won this coveted prize. Since then they’ve won over 20 Academy Awards.

The global acclaim came with a change of business plans when Disney (current owner since 2006) tapped Lasseter and co. to make the first full length CGI film: Toy Story. With 10 consecutive critical and financial hits under its belt and a sure-to-be blockbuster sequel coming up in the new year, nothing seems to be stopping this studio!

In its 24 year history, Pixar has grown into the world-class Emeryville, CA animation studio that we know and love. The company has also expanded it’s horizons from the Bay Area to Seattle and more recently Vancouver. After years of struggling and into continuing years of immense success, Pixar’s story is still one to be told no matter how it twists and turns.

Congratulations Ed Catmull, John Lasseter and everyone who’s come (and gone) in between February of 1986 – 2010 for realizing their dreams and building the magnificent studio that we hold dear today!

Last modified: February 2, 2010