“Shocking Wins at the ACE Eddie Awards! ‘The Wild Robot’ and ‘X-Men ’97’ Steal the Spotlight!”
The 75th Annual ACE Eddie Awards lit up UCLA’s Royce Hall this weekend, proving once again that great editing is the secret sauce behind cinematic magic. Hosted by the American Cinema Editors (ACE), the prestigious event honored the finest talents in film, television, and documentary editing across 14 competitive categories.
Celebrating the Art of Editing
Editing might not always get the spotlight, but if there’s one thing Hollywood insiders know, it’s that no masterpiece makes it to the screen without an ace editor. This year, ACE didn’t just hand out awards—they celebrated the backbone of storytelling. Acclaimed filmmaker Jon M. Chu was honored with the ACE Golden Eddie Filmmaker of the Year Award, a testament to his brilliance in bringing stories to life with impeccable vision and artistry. Meanwhile, legendary editors Maysie Hoy, ACE, and Paul Hirsch, ACE, were recognized with Career Achievement Awards, cementing their legacies as editing trailblazers.
‘The Wild Robot’ Roars to Victory
One of the biggest highlights of the night was DreamWorks Animation’s ‘The Wild Robot’ nabbing the Best Edited Animated Feature Film award. The win was particularly special for editor Mary Blee, marking her first-ever Eddie Award nomination and victory. But this wasn’t just a one-time stroke of luck—Blee had already shared an Annie Award for Outstanding Achievement in Editing for ‘The Wild Robot’ this year.
Blee is no stranger to the animation world. If you’ve ever laughed, cried, or sat on the edge of your seat during films like How to Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World, The Boss Baby, The Croods, or Over the Hedge, you’ve unknowingly been in the hands of her expert storytelling skills. Even Disney classics like Atlantis: The Lost Empire and Treasure Planet have her editorial fingerprints all over them. Safe to say, Blee’s wild ride in animation editing is far from over.
‘X-Men ’97’ Assembles Another Win
The Eddie for Best Edited Animated Series went to none other than ‘X-Men ’97’, a nostalgic revival that has fans buzzing. The award was clinched by editor Michelle McMillan for the standout episode “Remember It.” This marked McMillan’s first ACE Eddie nomination and win—a major milestone in her already impressive career.
McMillan is no rookie in the animation editing game. She previously earned an Annie Award nomination for her work on Netflix’s Arlo the Alligator Boy and has played a key role in editing fan-favorite series like I Heart Arlo, She-Ra and the Princesses of Power, Home: Adventures with Tip & Oh, and All Hail King Julien. With ‘X-Men ’97’ bringing old-school comic book action to a new generation, it’s no surprise McMillan’s precise and dynamic editing was recognized by ACE.
A Night to Remember
The ACE Eddie Awards are a reminder that behind every cinematic masterpiece, there’s an editor shaping the narrative, setting the pace, and bringing emotions to life. As this year’s winners bask in their well-earned glory, one thing is certain—brilliant editing isn’t just about cutting scenes, it’s about crafting experiences that stick with audiences long after the credits roll.
With ‘The Wild Robot’ and ‘X-Men ’97’ taking center stage, animation editing is having a moment—and we’re here for it. Until next year, may the best cuts win!
