When you think of the Disney Renaissance, you probably think of films like Beauty And The Beast, The Little Mermaid, Aladdin, and The Lion King. Two directors who have been with the Disney Company since the 70’s and were an integral part of that time in help shaping Disney into the being the animation powerhouse they are today will finally be honored.

Ron Clements and John Musker the Oscar-nominated directors behind Disney animated films including The Little Mermaid, Aladdin, The Princess and the Frog and, most recently, Moana will receive the Cameron Menzies Award for championing the art of animation from the Art Directors Guild. The honor will be handed out at the 22nd annual Excellence in Production Design Awards on Jan. 27, 2018, at Los Angeles’ Ray Dolby Ballroom at Hollywood and Highland.

“Both Clements’ and Musker’s love of animation have brought us legendary worlds of imagination,” said ADG president Nelson Coates. “The ADG is thrilled to honor their efforts, talents and achievements as they continue to blaze creative trails in animation and to be leaders in Disney’s artistic evolution over the decades. They are masters of their craft and part of the technical innovations in the art form.”

Clements and Musker directing Jodi Benson (The voice of Ariel) in The Little Mermaid.

Both Clements and Musker started out as animator assistants on films and shorts. Clements on Winnie The Pooh and Tigger Too, Musker on The Small one.

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