Pixar Animation Studios

Pixar Animation Studios is an American computer animation studio based in Emeryville, California. The studio is known for its innovation and use of computer-generated imagery (CGI) in different feature films. Through CGI, Pixar achieved high quality photorealistic images as seen in feature films such as Toy Story (1995), Finding Nemo (2003) and its most recent film Ratatouille (2007).

The computer division of Lucasfilm Ltd. started in 1979 with the exploration of computer generated imagery as a new animation medium. Finally, in 1984 Pixar became an independent company and the production of CGI shorts Luxo Jr. (1998), Tin Toy (1994), and Knick Knack (2001) gained recognition at many film festivals and awards ceremonies including the Golden Globe Awards and the Academy Awards. In 2001 Pixar teamed with Disney to create a series of three feature-length animated films, the first of which was Toy Story. However, on January 24, 2006, Disney offered Pixar a $7.4 billion transaction as well as a swapping of one Pixar share for 2.3 Disney shares in order to buy Pixar. Soon thereafter, on May 5, Disney had completed its acquisition.

Awards and nominations

 * Toy Story (1995)
 * Academy Awards winner, Best Song Oscar nominee, Best Original or Musical Drama Score Oscar nominee, Best Original Screenplay Oscar nominee
 * A Bug's Life (1998)
 * Best Original Score Oscar nominee.
 * Toy Story 2 (1999)
 * Best Song Oscar nominee, Best Motion Picture - Drama/Musical Golden Globe winner.
 * Monsters, Inc. (2001)
 * Best Animated Feature Oscar nominee, Best Song Oscar Winner.
 * Finding Nemo (2002)
 * Best Animated Feature Oscar winner.
 * The Incredibles (2005)
 * Best Animated Feature Oscar winner, Best Sound Editing Oscar winner.
 * Cars (2006)
 * Best Animated Feature Oscar nominee, Best Song Oscar nominee, Inaugural Best Animated Feature Golden Globe winner.