How To Train Your Dragon dominates Annies

Canadians capture directing, writing, voice trophies

Last Updated: Sunday, February 6, 2011 | 2:48 PM ET

CBC News

How to Train Your Dragon was on fire at the annual animation prizes, the Annie Awards, collecting 10 trophies including best picture.

The DreamWorks Animation feature was directed and written by Canadian Dean DeBlois, who co-directed and wrote alongside Chris Sander — both garnered the feature writing and directing accolades. Montrealer Jay Baruchel captured a voice acting trophy portraying Hiccup in the movie.

The film also nabbed prizes in animated effects, character animation, character design, production design and music.

The awards, presented by the International Animated Society, were tinged with some controversy this year after Disney decided not to participate. It marked a major loss for the 38th annual awards as Disney's Toy Story 3 is a heavy favourite heading into the Oscars on Feb. 27th.

The studio decided not to enter any of its productions in the Annies in a dispute over voting procedures, which Disney claims is stacked in favour of DreamWorks Animation.

Other winners included:

Short Subject: Day & Night by Pixar.
Television Production: Kung Fu Panda Holiday by DreamWorks Animation.
Television Production for Children: SpongeBob SquarePants by Nickelodeon
Video Game: Limbo by Playdead
Directing in a TV production: Tim Johnson, Kung Fu Panda Holiday.
Voice Acting, TV: James Hong as Mr. Ping in Kung Fu Panda Holiday.

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