Disney/Pixar animator John Lasseter has been honored at the Venice Film Festival in Italy with a prestigious Golden Lion award in recognition of his career achievements.
The illustrator was hailed by his peers on Sunday at a ceremony that also paid tribute to Lasseter's bosses, Disney/Pixar directors Brad Bird, Peter Doctor, Andrew Stanton and Lee Unkrich.
Iconic filmmaker George Lucas -- who sold off Pixar in 1986 -- presented the awards to the group, congratulating the honorees as members of "my little backroom operation that started in 1979."
Accepting his prize, Lasseter said, "Pixar is founded on true creative collaboration.
"These (Disney/Pixar executives) are my best friends and my brothers in creative filmmaking. Our dream is always simple: to entertain our audiences around the world, everybody."
The Disney/Pixar animators are the brains behind the hit movies Finding Nemo, Toy Story, The Incredibles and Wall-E.
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