John Canemaker is an American animator, animation historian, author, teacher, and filmmaker. His work in the field of animation has been diverse and influential. Born on February 3, 1943, Canemaker has made significant contributions as an independent animator, creating award-winning shorts that often deal with personal themes. Additionally, Canemaker is highly regarded for his research and writings on the history of animation. He has authored several books that are considered important texts in the study and appreciation of animation, including biographies and explorations of the work of legendary animators like Winsor McCay and the Disney animators known as the Nine Old Men. Canemaker's role as an educator has also been noteworthy; he has taught at New York University's Tisch School of the Arts, where he founded and directed the animation program, helping to mentor a new generation of animators. His contributions to the field have been recognized with various awards, including an Academy Award for his 2005 animated short film "The Moon and the Son: An Imagined Conversation". His dedication to the craft of animation, both as a creator and as a historian, has made him a respected figure in the animation community.