Every year at Animation Dingle, we celebrate the trailblazers of animation with the Murakami Award; an honor that carries the name of one of Irish animation’s founding fathers, Jimmy T. Murakami. This award isn’t just about looking back; it’s about championing the dreamers, doers, and innovators shaping animation today.
And this year, we’re tipping our hats to Andrew Fitzpatrick, a man who has helped bring animated stories to screens all over the world!
Jimmy Murakami: A True Animation Pioneer
If you work in Irish animation, chances are you owe at least a little bit of your career to Jimmy Murakami. His influence is woven into the very fabric of the industry, and his story is nothing short of legendary.
Born in 1933 in California, Jimmy’s career took him across the globe, working on groundbreaking projects before he eventually called Ireland home in 1971. While here, he played a pivotal role in shaping the Irish animation industry as we know it today. From bringing us The Snowman, a Christmas staple that still makes us all emotional, to crafting the hauntingly beautiful When the Wind Blows, his work left a lasting mark on animation history. And yes, he even helped bring the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles to life, proving his range stretched from heartfelt classics to action-packed hits.
When Animation Dingle (then part of the Dingle International Film Festival) presented Jimmy with the very first Murakami Award in 2013, he said:
“I have been to hundreds of film festivals, all over the globe, for what seems to be the last hundred years, and in my opinion, the Dingle Film Festival is the best among them all.”
Though he passed in 2014, his legacy lives on, not just through his films, but through the artists, studios, and storytellers who continue to push animation forward. That’s why every year, we present the Murakami Award to an individual who embodies that same spirit of creativity, leadership, and passion. Continuing this tradition, his wife, Ethna Murakami, will once again present the award, a moment that remains a highlight of Animation Dingle. This year is particularly special as their daughter, Claire Murakami, will also be in attendance to celebrate the occasion.
Meet This Year's Winner: Andrew Fitzpatrick!
From helping Don Bluth dominate the animation world to distributing hit series in nearly every country on the planet, Andrew Fitzpatrick has done it all and then some!
As Chairman of Monster Entertainment, he’s had a hand in getting animated gems onto screens in over 200 countries. Whether it’s bringing Jungle Beat to audiences in 196 countries, introducing kids worldwide to The Day Henry Met, or helping Earth to Luna become a preschool favorite, Monster Entertainment has been a driving force in animation distribution. And that’s just the tip of the iceberg. Monster Entertainment has also been behind Emmy-winning animation, gripping documentaries, and a catalogue packed with some of the most exciting animated content out there.
But before Monster Entertainment, Andrew was at the helm of Don Bluth’s European empire, helping bring some of the most beloved animated films ever made to life. He played a key role in making An American Tail the highest-grossing animated film of its time, ensuring The Land Before Time became a childhood classic for generations, and bringing All Dogs Go to Heaven to audiences (yes, the film that still tugs on our heartstrings all these years later).
Beyond all that, he’s also an animation finance wizard, having raised over $160 million to fund animated projects. (Yes, million.)
So whether it’s through producing, financing, or distributing, Andrew has spent decades making sure animation reaches audiences far and wide, which makes him more than deserving of the Murakami Award!
Why the Murakami Award Matters
This award isn’t just a trophy; it’s a celebration of the past, present, and future of animation. It’s about recognizing those who have helped build this industry, while inspiring the next generation of animators, storytellers, and dreamers.
So here’s to Andrew Fitzpatrick, to Jimmy Murakami, and to everyone out there keeping animation alive and thriving.
And if you’re at Animation Dingle 2025, take a moment to the incredible legacy of animation pioneers past, present, and future!
