Animation Dingle honours Andrew Fitzpatrick, Monster Entertainment with the prestigious Murakami Award
Posted: 13th March 2025
Andrew Fitzpatrick of Monster Entertainment has been announced as the recipient of this year's Murakami Award at Animation Dingle.
The Murakami Award, named after the legendary Japanese animator Jimmy Teru Murakami (村上輝明 ) (1933-2014) a founding father of Irish animation, recognises individuals who have demonstrated unparalleled innovation, vision, and impact in the field of animation. This year's award is sponsored by Brown Bag Films.
Andrew Fitzpatrick, Chairman of Dublin-based distribution, production, and brand management company Monster Entertainment, is the 13th recipient of the Murakami award. On receiving news of the award, Andrew said:
I am really thrilled to receive this great recognition. Being part of the vibrant and incredibly talented animation industry here in Ireland has been such a privilege. The creativity, passion, and innovation within this community are unmatched, and it’s the collaboration with so many inspiring individuals that has made my journey so special. The Murakami award is the ultimate accolade in the animation scene in Ireland and of the amazing people I’ve had the pleasure of working with throughout my career. I am so pleased to receive Jimmy’s award, this one, I will truly treasure”.
From 1985 -1995, Andrew ran Don Bluth Studios, the largest animation studio in Europe at the time. The studio was behind The Land Before Time, All Dogs Go to Heaven and the highest-grossing animated feature of all time An American Tail. Andrew raised over $160 million for the studio's films. After Don Bluth closed in 1995, Andrew helped bring The Storykeepers (tv series) to life, which was later one of the most successful Irish animation series.
Andrew and Monster Entertainment have been involved in several acclaimed works, including Adam Elliott's Harvie Krumpet (Oscar-winning) with other notable Oscar nominated works including The Mysterious Geographic Explorations of Jasper Morello and Give Up Yer Aul Sins.
Andrew's background showcases a wealth of experience in animation, from studio leadership to global distribution. His work has not only shaped successful animated projects but has also had a significant impact on the global entertainment industry. Monster Entertainment specialises in financing and distributing television series worldwide, with its catalogue reaching over 200 countries. Monster's portfolio also features adult animation, documentaries, and shorts, including Oscar-winning and Emmy-winning animated works. At Cartoon Forum 2013, Monster won the Distributor of the Year award, and was nominated again in 2023.
Animation Dingle, taking place on 21st-22nd March 2025, will showcase the best in animation from Ireland and around the world, featuring screenings, workshops, panel discussions, and networking opportunities for animation enthusiasts from around the world. More information is available on the festival's website.