The 2009 Reuben Awards weekend was held at the Renaissance Hollywood Hotel in Los Angeles from May 22nd- 24th. The event featured guest speakers “In The Bleachers” cartoonist Steve Moore, animator Eric Goldberg, movie poster illustrator Drew Struzan and two time Pulitzer prize winning editorial cartoonist Michael Ramirez. The Reuben Awards Master of Ceremonies was another Pulitzer prize winning editorial cartoonist named Mike… Mike Luckovich.

This year’s winners:

THE REUBEN AWARD for Outstanding Cartoonist of the Year:

Dave Coverly

TELEVISION ANIMATION

Sandra Equihua and Jorge Gutierrez – Creators – “El Tigre: The Adventures of Manny Rivera” – Nickelodeon

FEATURE ANIMATION

Nicolas Marlet – Character Designer – “Kung Fu Panda”

NEWSPAPER ILLUSTRATION

Mark Marturello

GAG CARTOONS

Mort Gerberg

GREETING CARDS

Jem Sullivan

NEWSPAPER COMIC STRIPS

Mark Tatulli – “Lio” – Universal Press Syndicate

NEWSPAPER PANEL CARTOONS

Mark Parisi – “Off the Mark” – United Feature Syndicate

MAGAZINE FEATURE/MAGAZINE ILLUSTRATION

Sam Viviano

BOOK ILLUSTRATION

Mike Lester

EDITORIAL CARTOONS

Michael Ramirez

ADVERTISING ILLUSTRATION

Craig McKay

COMIC BOOKS

Cyril Pedrosa – THREE SHADOWS – First Second Books

There were also 5 awards of recognition bestowed this year:

Silver T-Square for service to the NCS-
Jeff Bacon

Silver T-Square for service to the NCS-
James Kemsley

Gold Key “NCS Hall of Fame” Award–
Bil Keane

Gold Key “NCS Hall of Fame” Award–
Mell Lazarus

Jay Kennedy Memorial Scholarship Award Winner–
Chris Houghton