By: Jesus Cortez
College of DuPage animation alumnus Christian Sanchez won a Crystal Pillar Award during the student production portion at the recent 67th annual Chicago/Midwest Emmy Awards.
The event was hosted by the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences (NATAS) Chicago/Midwest Chapter. For the Student Production Awards, nominees were selected for outstanding video projects in categories including news, entertainment, sports and animation.
Sanchez was awarded under the Animation/Graphics/Special Effects category for his mixed-media video “Vida,” which blends live-action footage with animation. Though he graduated this past May, Sanchez created the three-minute film while he was a student at COD.
“It's a day-in-the-life film about me going throughout the City of Chicago,” Sanchez said. “In this film, you get to see my perspective on how I view life and the environments around me.”
Sanchez shared that he was full of emotions when he was announced as the winner, saying the recognition validated his artwork.
“It inspired me to keep on creating more in the future, and to not let talent and hard work go to waste,” he said.
Being at COD has helped me gain perspective on how much work goes into animation and how important it is to get critiques from others and work as a team.
Christian Sanchez
Tony Venezia, Motion Picture/Television program chair and professor, said he is proud of Sanchez for his achievement.
“The schools represented in the competition are among the finest, known for their rigorous programs and high creative standards. For Christian to be recognized among them is a true testament to his artistic ability, commitment and perseverance,” he said.
COD student Sofie Tongson and graduate Toby Welch were also nominated for Crystal Pillar Awards— Tongson for her non-fiction short, “The Camper,” and Welch for his animation, “Strange Exchange.”
“I am very proud of all three of our students who were recognized at this year’s ceremony,” Venezia said. “While only one student can take first place, the nominations alone reflect exceptional skill, dedication and creative excellence. Being able to stand with them and celebrate their hard work was truly an honor.”
Sanchez expressed gratitude to the College and community for supporting him on his journey as an animator.
“Being at COD has helped me gain perspective on how much work goes into animation and how important it is to get critiques from others and work as a team,” he said. “I got a lot of help from peers, professors and Tony Venezia, who helped me push my limits to where I am today.”
Learn More About the Animation/Motion Graphics Program at COD