Part 5/16:
Pixar's early experiments with CGI, like the short film Tin Toy, were revolutionary. That film won Pixar its first Oscar in 1988, establishing the studio as a pioneer. Yet, Pixar was struggling financially, and Disney, then led by Michael Eisner, was desperate to revitalize its animation division. The two companies formed a partnership: Disney funded Pixar’s projects in exchange for theatrical distribution rights—though Pixar received a meager 12.5% of box office revenue.