2024 is the 20th anniversary of Cartoon brewery. Anniversary celebrations are often introspective and limited to little more than self-satisfied back-patting. But that has never been what Cartoon Brewery We exist to serve the community and to raise awareness of this young and still largely misunderstood craft.

What better way to mark our twentieth anniversary than with an examination of the modern state of American animation and the people shaping its direction.

This list was the result of a massive group effort, just like animation production itself. Hundreds of surveys were sent to people in the animation industry to get their opinions. Many more conversations were held privately with individuals. Once the list was created, it required collaboration from studios, PR people, and individuals featured on the list.

What we realized while putting this together is that there are many more remarkable people than we could ever fit on a single list. Animation is a relatively small part of the American entertainment industry, but it’s an important and exciting sector full of wonderful creative, technical and business innovators.

The descriptions of each person are the collaborative work of Tara Bennett, Jamie Lang and myself. Lindsey Olivares provided the fantastic caricatures of the top 10 people. Chris McDonnell designed the print version of the list, and the web version of the list was designed by Aric Harris.

I welcome any feedback on the list – and invite you to be part of the process as we compile our list for 2025.

To the animation forever and ever,

In the midst of Amidi
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