Beverly Hills, CA; July 7, 2005 -- From Hollywood's first full-length animated feature "Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs" in 1937 to the mega-hits of recent years, millions of moviegoers worldwide have embraced the art and magic of animation. The Science and Technology Council of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences presents "The Animated Performance: Art Meets Technology," an informative program that explores the science and technology of animation on Friday, July 29, at 7:30 p.m. in the Academy's Samuel Goldwyn Theater in Beverly Hills.

The evening's special guests include Academy Award winners Brad Bird ("The Incredibles") and Jan Pinkava ("Geri's Game"), Academy Award nominee Bill Kroyer ("Technological Threat"), and animators Richie Baneham, Randy Cartwright, Eric Goldberg, Steve Hornby, Tom Sito, and Kathy Zielinski.

The presentation will highlight the evolution of animation, the influence of new technologies on the art and will examine the concept of the animator as performer.

"An animator injects his or her performance into another being, a being created with increasingly complex and marvelous technology," explains Kroyer, who will lead the evening's dialogue by taking an inside look at the impact and contributions of 2-D and 3-D animation tools and technology.

"Animation has always been linked to technology from its very inception, whether it utilizes slots on a zoetrope or motion picture film, pencils on paper or digital models," adds Goldberg, the animator who created "Aladdin's" Genie. The program also will feature case studies and show clips of both obscure and iconic character animation.

Complementing the program is the Academy's current gallery exhibition, "Toon In: Animated Movie Posters from the Cudequest Family Collection," which showcases over 130 posters and lobby cards artfully illustrating the evolution of animated film from silent novelty to popular culture. The exhibition will be open for viewing after the program and will be on display through August 21. The Academy Gallery is open Tuesday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and weekends from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. Admission is free.

Established in 2003 by the Academy's Board of Governors, the Science and Technology Council provides a forum for the exchange of information while promoting cooperation among diverse technological interests within the industry as well as sponsoring publications, fostering educational activities and preserving the history of science and technology of motion pictures.

Tickets are $5 for the general public and $3 for Academy members and students with a valid I.D. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. The Samuel Goldwyn Theater is located at 8949 Wilshire Boulevard in Beverly Hills, California. Free parking is provided in the garages located at 8920 and 9025 Wilshire Boulevard. For more information, call the Academy at 310.247.3600 or visit www.oscars.org.