The American animation historian Maureen Furniss and her work championed quite inspiring insights into some of the most important achievements in animation, and her creative syntheses of the most significant aspects in the field are also much renowned.

She earned her PhD in abstract animation with a dissertation 'Things of the Spirit: A Study of Abstract Animation', drawing parallels between abstract animation and spirituality and music. Furniss also studied Chuck Jones and edited a book under the title 'Chuck Jones: Conversations', a series of analytical interviews given by this master of animation during the years. Her practical knowledge on animation was gathered in the book 'The Animation Bible: A Practical Guide to the Art of Animating from Flipbooks to Flash', and she also edited a book of essential studies of animation and its media context 'Animation: Art and Industry'. In 2016 she published a history of world animation, 'A New History of Animation', opening a new chapter in animation studies.

Maureen Furniss is also the founder of 'Animation Journal' magazine (in 1991) and the president of the Society for Animation Studies (2006-2010), which highlights her overall contribution to the organisation of contemporary animation studies and their evolvement into a reputable academic discipline.

The award will be presented at the festival opening ceremony on 5 June 2017.

More information about the award can be found here.