‘Wildwood’ Studio Laika Is First Honoree For This Year’s Gotham Film Awards

EXCLUSIVE: Laika, the animation studio that has scored six Oscar nominations for its stop-motion films including Coraline, ParaNorman, The Boxtrolls and Kubo and Two Strings since its founding in 2005, will be honored with the Gotham Anniversary Tribute at this year’s Gotham Film Awards.

The tribute commemorates Laika’s 20 years of storytelling and the release of Wildwood, its newest film, which hits theaters October 23 via Fathom Entertainment. The pic will have its world premiere at the London Film Festival October 11 and 10 days later serve as the opening-night film at AFI Fest.

It marks the first tribute award revealed for the 36th annual Gothams, put on by the Gotham Film & Media Institute, which take place this year November 20 at Cipriani Wall Street in New York City.

“After 20 years of pushing the boundaries of modern cinema and animation, this moment feels like both a celebration and an evolution for Laika,” said Jeffrey Sharp, executive director of the institute, which earlier this year teamed with the animation studio to launch Laika x Gotham Animation Accelerator for creators working on animated short films. “With Wildwood, Laika’s most ambitious film to date, and the launch of Laika Live Action opening up new creative territory, the studio continues to expand the possibilities of what handcrafted storytelling can be. We can think of no more fitting honoree for this year’s Anniversary Tribute, and we’re thrilled to welcome the Laika team to celebrate with us.”

Travis Knight, Laika’s president and CEO, directs Wildwood, which was written by Chris Butler based on Colin Meloy’s novel. It centers on headstrong teenager Prue McKeel (Peyton Elizabeth Lee), who after her baby brother is abducted by a murder of crows launches with her hapless but loyal classmate Curtis Mehlberg (Jacob Tremblay) a rescue mission into the Impassable Wilderness — an enchanted forest hidden just beyond Portland, OR.

It voice cast also includes Carey Mulligan, Mahershala Ali, Angela Bassett, Awkwafina, Jake Johnson, Charlie Day, Amandla Stenberg, Jemaine Clement, Maya Erskine, Tantoo Cardinal, Tom Waits and Richard E. Grant.

“We’re deeply honored that The Gotham is recognizing Laika at a moment when we’re celebrating two decades of filmmaking and bringing Wildwood to audiences,” said David Burke, Laika’s Chief Marketing & Operations Officer. “Our partnership on the Laika x Gotham Animation Accelerator reflects something we care deeply about: creating meaningful opportunities for bold new voices to push animation forward. We’re grateful to The Gotham for this recognition and for a partnership grounded in a shared belief in original, ambitious storytelling.”

More Gotham tributes will be rolled out throughout the fall, with nominations in the 10 competition Gotham Awards categories to be revealed October 27.