Happenings at Bay Theater: Highlighting Chris Williams

By LILY TINOCO | Assistant Editor

Animator and director Chris Williams’ works are currently being showcased at Bay Theater in Palisades Village with screenings of his films throughout the month of March. His work includes “Bolt,” “Moana,” “Big Hero 6” and “The Sea Beast.”

“Williams has been drawing since he can hold a pencil, and grew up writing comic strips and making stop-motion films before starting his prolific career as an animator,” according to a press release. “Here is a special opportunity to see all four of Williams’ films as a director, on the big screen.”

In 2015, Williams won an Academy Award for “Big Hero 6” in the Best Animated Feature category. Williams was previously nominated for his 2008 film “Bolt,” which also marked his directorial debut for Disney Animation, and for his 2016 film “Moana.”

His film “The Sea Beast”—his first project since leaving Disney Animation and joining Netflix Animation—has recently been nominated for an Academy Award in the same category.

“In an era when terrifying beasts roamed the seas, monster hunters were celebrated heroes—and none were more beloved than the great Jacob Holland,” according to a synopsis of the animated film. “But when young Maisie Brumble stows away on his fabled ship, he’s saddled with an unexpected ally. Together they embark on an epic journey into uncharted waters and make history.”

Honorees of the 95th Academy Awards will be revealed on March 12.

Williams visited Bay Theater the weekends of February 25 and 26, and March 4 and 5, to introduce the films and do a Q&A afterward. He previously screened the film in Santa Monica.

“Had a great time screening [‘The Sea Beast’] at the Aero Theater in Santa Monica,” he shared to social media on February 19. “The audience was awesome, the sound was awesome and it was fun to watch it on the big screen.”

Bay Theater is currently offering $5 Family Matinees through March 10, with a number of screenings of “The Sea Beast” on Thursday, March 9, and Friday, March 10.

For more information, visit baytheaterla.com.