‘Toy Story 3,’ ‘Coco’ Director Lee Unkrich to Exit Pixar After 25 Years

Lee Unkrich, who won Academy Awards for “Toy Story 3” and “Coco,” is departing Pixar Animation Studios after 25 years to spend more time with his family.Unkrich joined Pixar in 1994 after working as an assistant editor in television on “Silk Stalkings” and “Renegade.” He served as editor on Pixar’s first feature, 1995’s “Toy Story,” then co-directed “Toy Story 2,” “Monsters Inc.” and “Finding Nemo.” He was the sole director on 2010’s “Toy Story 3” and shared an adapted screenplay Oscar nomination with John Lasseter and Andrew Stanton.Unkrich informed Pixar employees on Friday of his decision.

“I’m not leaving to make films at another studio; instead, I look forward to spending much-needed time with my family and pursuing interests that have long been back-burnered,” he said.Lasseter, Pixar’s co-founder, departed the company in late 2017 amid accusations of sexual harrassment and was hired earlier this month at Skydance Animation.

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