The Rome Film Festival (Festival Internazionale del Film di Roma, November 9 – 17, Auditorium Parco della Musica) and Vanity Fair will award the new “Vanity Fair International Award for Cinematic Excellence” this year to Rise of the Guardians, the latest 3D film by DreamWorks Animation SKG, Inc. (Nasdaq: DWA). This new acknowledgment by the Festival is dedicated to a film that best expresses the innovative, artistic and strategic contribution made by production and distribution companies that have distinguished themselves in the world of contemporary cinema. Director Peter Ramsey will accept the award on behalf of the film and DreamWorks Animation.  The awards ceremony will be followed by the international theatrical premiere of Rise of the Guardians, distributed on November 21, 2012, and inspired by the series of illustrated books “The Guardians of Childhood” by William Joyce. The ceremony and screening will also be attended by DreamWorks Animation’s Chief Executive Officer Jeffrey Katzenberg and Executive Producer Guillermo del Toro.

“It is exhilarating to receive this recognition from Vanity Fair and we are honored that they share in our excitement for what we believe is an incredible film in Rise of the Guardians,” said Bill Damaschke, Chief Creative Officer at DreamWorks Animation. “We couldn’t think of a more thrilling place at which to make our international theatrical debut at the Rome Film Festival as we look forward to presenting Rise of the Guardians to audiences worldwide starting this holiday season.”

“Rise of the Guardians has been an incredible journey for the entire creative team and we are humbled by this early accolade by Vanity Fair and the Rome Film Festival,” continued the film’s Director, Peter Ramsey. “We are looking forward to the film making its international debut here in Rome.”

Rise of the Guardians is an epic adventure that tells the story of a group of heroes – each with extraordinary abilities. When an evil spirit known as Pitch lays down the gauntlet to take over the world, the immortal Guardians must join forces for the first time to protect the hopes, beliefs and imagination of children all over the world.  The film stars Chris Pine, Alec Baldwin, Jude Law, Isla Fisher and Hugh Jackman. Peter Ramsey directs a screenplay written by David Lindsay-Abaire. Rise of the Guardians is produced by Christina Steinberg and Nancy Bernstein. William Joyce and Guillermo del Toro serve as Executive Producers.

About DreamWorks Animation
DreamWorks Animation creates high-quality entertainment, including CG animated feature films, television specials and series and live entertainment properties, meant for audiences around the world. The Company has world-class creative talent, a strong and experienced management team and advanced filmmaking technology and techniques. DreamWorks Animation has been named one of the “100 Best Companies to Work For” by FORTUNE® Magazine for four consecutive years. In 2012, DreamWorks Animation ranks #14 on the list. All of DreamWorks Animation’s feature films are now being produced in 3D. The Company has theatrically released a total of 24 animated feature films, including the franchise properties of Shrek, Madagascar, Kung Fu Panda and How to Train Your Dragon. The Company’s theatrical releases for the current year are Madagascar 3: Europe’s Most Wanted on June 8, 2012 and Rise of the Guardians on November 21, 2012, distributed by Paramount Pictures.