^{Credit: Luxo Jr. (Pixar Animation Studios)}

40 years ago today, Pixar premiered Luxo Jr. at SIGGRAPH. It went on to achieve an Oscar nomination for Best Animated Short - a first for an entirely CGI production. The other two nominees were The Frog, the Dog and the Devil and A Greek Tragedy, the latter of which won. Although Luxo didn’t win the Oscar, it was the definitive lightbulb moment for Pixar, sparking everything that followed. In the video below, I explore the iconic short’s production, historic Oscar nomination, and ensuing legacy with some special guests.

Nick Spake is the Author of Bright & Shiny: A History of Animation at Award Shows Volumes 1, 2, and 3. Available Now!