Fil-Canadian animator wins big at the 2nd Children and Family Emmys

Joey Pogoy dedicated his award to his loved ones, aspiring animators, and future creatives | Photo from WildBrain Studios/X

Last Dec. 17, the second annual Children and Family Emmy Awards were held at the Westin Bonaventure Hotel in Los Angeles, California. More than a month has passed since the award show aired.

Still, executive producers at the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences (NATAS) commend and support all the nominees and winners for using their creativity to entertain and inspire younger audiences.

One of the talented minds who got recognized that night was Filipino-Canadian animator Joey Pogoy. He won the award for Individual Achievement in Animation, specifically his character animation for the 2022 series “Sonic Prime”—one of the many reimagined versions of the classic “Sonic the Hedgehog” video game. Pogoy’s fellow animator Ellen Coons was awarded in the same category for her work in the children’s fantasy show “Shape Island.” 

On Jan. 6, animation company WildBrain Studios congratulated Pogoy for his achievement. As their senior animator on “Sonic Prime” and other WildBrain Studios originals, Pogoy has helped the company become one of the leading creative outlets for television in Vancouver since its establishment in 2016. 

It's time for a chili dog celebration! 🌭 Our Senior Animator, Joey Pogoy, was recently honored with an Individual Achievement in Animation award for Character Animation at this year's Children’s & Family Emmys, thanks to his work on Sonic Prime!

Congrats, Joey! 💙🦔 pic.twitter.com/6QYiLs6ENs

— WildBrain Studios (@WildBrainStudio) January 5, 2024

Having spent years working on animated kids’ shows like “Ninjago,” “Mega Man: Fully Charged,” and “Fireman Sam,” Pogoy has already found his calling in visual media and entertainment. But the life-changing call on his Children and Family Emmy win—from a representative of the award-giving body, no less—still came as a shock to him. 

“Wow, I can’t believe this,” Pogoy said in his acceptance speech. “I didn’t really expect this to be something that I’d win.”

Now, looking back at his well-earned accomplishment, Pogoy hopes to inspire aspiring animators—especially Filipino creatives—around the world to follow their hearts and not let go of their dreams in the industry. 

The second Children and Family Emmy Awards also honored seasoned actors such as Jack Black, Tabitha Brown, and Filipino-Canadian voice actor Eric Bauza. Pogoy had the honor of gracing the same stage as them that night, a once-in-a-lifetime experience that he hopes he can share with his fellow animators and creators in the future.