“Seven Oscars and Counting”

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They say that greatness is its own reward, but it doesn’t hurt to have seven Oscars, too.  On my desk are five pages (count ‘em, five) listing all the awards that Bill Hanna and Joe Barbera have won over the years, from their first Oscar in 1943 right through their two Emmies in 1994.  Fifty-one years of top honors, including more Oscars than any cartoon directing team in history.

Is your mind boggled?  Mine is.  Who else out there has been called up to podiums for more than half a century?  On top of Oscars, there are Emmies, including the first ever given to a cartoon show.  (That was way back in 1960 for “Huckleberry Hound.”)  Not to mention the Governors Award from the National Academy of Television Arts and Science, the Humanitas, Christopher, Golden Globe, Iris.  And on and on.

By the way, next time you’re in Hollywood, drop by Hollywood Boulevard and x Street and take a peek at The Joseph Barbera and William Hanna Hollywood Walk of Fame Star.  And please — step on it.

“Seven Oscars and Counting”
Essay #13 (of 15)
Original essay written by Bill Burnett, Creative Director, Hanna-Barbera Cartoons, 1993-1996