Lasseter is 1st ShoWest Ani Pioneer

(Hollywood Reporter) – John Lasseter will be presented with the first ShoWest Pioneer of Animation Award at the ShoWest exhibitors' convention, which kicks off Monday in Las Vegas. Lasseter, executive vp creative at Pixar Animation Studios and director of such animated features as "Toy Story" and "A Bug's Life," will unveil his latest film, "Cars," at a screening Tuesday at the Paris Las Vegas Hotel. Buena Vista Pictures releases the film domestically June 9. ShoWest co-managing director Mitch Neuhauser called Lasseter "a pioneer in the advanced evolution of animated feature films." He said, "John not only set a tremendously high standard with the development of Pixar 20 years ago, but he continues to raise the industry standard year after year."