Animation icon Ron Clements just received a major honor at the Annecy International Animation Film Festival, earning a place on the festival’s prestigious Walk of Fame, and fans are celebrating one of the quiet giants of Disney history finally getting his moment in the spotlight.
What’s the Annecy Walk of Fame, Anyway?
If you’re unfamiliar with it, the Annecy Walk of Fame is the animation world’s version of Hollywood’s Walk of Fame. It’s reserved for creators who’ve had an enormous impact on the art and craft of animation. Think of it as a lifetime achievement award, etched in stone.
Ron’s name now sits alongside other animation titans, and honestly, it’s about time.
Why He Deserves It
Ron Clements has co-directed some of the most beloved animated films of all time, including Aladdin, The Little Mermaid, Hercules, Treasure Planet, The Princess and the Frog, and Moana. His partnership with fellow filmmaker John Musker helped define multiple eras of Disney animation.
He’s already racked up multiple Annie Awards, Oscar nominations, and industry honors. But here’s the kicker: Ron Clements has never been named a Disney Legend. Yes, seriously.
It’s a strange oversight considering the Disney Renaissance might not have happened without him. The Little Mermaid changed the studio’s trajectory, and Moana brought its legacy into a new generation.
You’ve Probably Seen Him Before—Literally
You’ve probably seen Ron on screen even if you didn’t know his name. He and Musker often snuck themselves into their movies, whether part of the crowd in Aladdin’s marketplace, partygoers in The Princess and the Frog, or a tapestry in Moana. They made cameos a tradition.
A Return to Disney
And there’s more good news: After officially retiring, Ron Clements is returning to Disney, this time as a creative advisor. He’ll help shape future animated films, mentor the next generation of storytellers, and lend his legendary instincts to new projects.
So while he’s already got a plaque on Annecy’s Walk of Fame, his creative spark isn’t fading anytime soon.
Maybe next year, Disney will finally catch up and give him that Legend title. Until then, he’s back, quietly helping craft the next great animated adventure.
