Esteemed animator from Estonia, Priit Pärn, was celebrated with the lifetime achievement award at the distinguished Emile Awards as part of the European Animation Awards earlier this week.

Image source: Eesti Joonisfilm

The foremost event of the Emile European Animation Awards, acknowledging the top animated films of the year, was the presentation of the highly coveted Emile Lotte Reiniger Lifetime Achievement Award. This award honors outstanding contributions to European animated cinema by an individual whose lifelong work is truly extraordinary.

The Emile’s lifetime achievement award traditionally goes to an animator who has significantly influenced the animation world. This year’s recipient, Priit Pärn, stands out as a noteworthy educator and an animator with a remarkable portfolio. While this recognition is based on his existing work, we know he will continue to create remarkable animation. I am tremendously honored to present this award to Priit Pärn.

– as stated by journalist and animation historian Nancy Denney-Phelps during the award presentation.

Pärn’s animated films have received widespread acclaim and success among audiences and critics alike. His influence can be seen worldwide, through the countless animators trained under his guidance.

In response to receiving his tenth lifetime achievement award, Pärn humbly expressed, “Thank You, People!”

The Emile Awards made a triumphant return after a four-year pause, taking place in Greece for the first time. Taking place at the historic Apollon Theatre in Syros, the influential award ceremony signaled a new era for the legendary European animation awards.

After successful events in Lille, France, in 2018 and 2019, the awards, named to honor French pioneers Émile Reynaud and Émile Cohl, are being brought back to life by a respected group of animation professionals from across Europe.

The much-anticipated celebration of European animation returns to recognize the year’s best films, pay tribute to the talent and contributions of creators from over 30 countries, and spotlight the diversity and creativity within the expansive European animation community.

Prior to Pärn, British legends Richard Williams in 2017, and Clare Kitson in 2018, have been recipients of the lifetime achievement award.

The birth of the Emile awards is attributed to Didier Brunner and Peter Lord, along with members of the European Animation Awards association. The event draws inspiration from the renowned Annie Awards in the US, and seeks to spotlight the dynamism and diversity of European animation creativity.

Lotte Reiniger was a iconic film director and a pioneer of silhouette animation. His influential works include The Adventures of Prince Achmed, the oldest existing full-length animated film, and Papageno. Reiniger also made significant technological contributions to animation, with more than 40 films to his credit.