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Jimmy Bennett
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James Michael Bennett (born February 9, 1996)[1] is an American actor. He is known for his roles as a child actor in Daddy Day Care, Hostage, The Amityville Horror, Poseidon, Evan Almighty, Orphan, Shorts, and as young James T. Kirk in the 2009 film Star Trek. He also starred on the ABC series No Ordinary Family as JJ Powell, a teenager gifted with vast intelligence after a plane crash.
Key Information
Early life
[edit]Bennett was born on February 9, 1996, in Seal Beach, California, and lives with his parents and sister in Huntington Beach, California, where the family ran a hard rock–themed crêpe restaurant.[2][3][4] Bennett also plays guitar and sings on his official YouTube channel. He also wrote and performed the song "Summer Never Ends", which can be heard at the end of Shorts.
Career
[edit]Bennett appeared in nearly 30 television advertisements,[5] as well as in episodes of the television series The Guardian and Strong Medicine, before being cast in the role of "Tony", the boy who wants to be the Flash, in the Eddie Murphy comedy Daddy Day Care. He had smaller roles in the films Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy and Arthur Hailey's Detective, and also appeared in Judging Amy, CSI: Crime Scene Investigation and Everwood, and lent his voice to characters in the animated films The Polar Express, The Jungle Book 2, Winnie the Pooh: Springtime with Roo, Pooh's Heffalump Halloween Movie and I Want a Dog for Christmas, Charlie Brown. He has been nominated for Young Artist Awards five times.
In August 2011, Bennett released his debut single "Over Again" and the accompanying music video.[6]
Sexual assault allegations against Asia Argento
[edit]This section needs to be updated. (February 2024) |
According to documents obtained by The New York Times, a $380,000 settlement was made between Bennett and actress Asia Argento after Bennett claimed that Argento sexually assaulted him in a California hotel room in 2013, when he was 17 and Argento was 37.[7] Bennett said that after the encounter he began to feel "extremely confused, mortified, and disgusted".[8]
Bennett's lawyer wrote that in the years after the incident, Bennett was so traumatized that his job performance, income, and mental health declined.[1] They first met when Bennett played Argento's son in the 2004 film The Heart Is Deceitful Above All Things when Bennett was 7 years old and she was 28.[1][9] He notified Argento that he intended to sue in November 2017, shortly after she went public with rape accusations against Harvey Weinstein.[10] Argento countered that Bennett "sexually attacked" her, and that her partner Anthony Bourdain had arranged to pay $380,000 as part of the settlement.[11][12]
Following Argento's denials, a photograph of her topless in bed with Bennett was published, as well as her alleged admission of sex with him in text messages to model Rain Dove. In the screenshots, Argento reputedly stated: "I had sex with him it felt weird. I didn't know he was a minor until the shakedown letter."[13] Dove confirmed in a statement that they had provided the texts to police in response to Argento's apparent admission to "sexual engagement with a minor ... which is an illegal act that can qualify as statutory rape," as well as "receiving continued nude images without reporting/blocking the account/written rejection/or action."[14][15]
In August 2018, the actress Rose McGowan spoke out in support of Bennett. She wrote to Argento: "You were my friend. I loved you. I really hope you find your way through this process to rehabilitation and betterment. Do the right thing. Be honest. Be fair. Let justice stay its course. [...] be the person you wish Harvey could have been."[16]
In a letter published online in September, Argento's attorney admitted there was a sexual encounter, but claimed Bennett "sexually attacked" Argento.[17] As of September 2018, Bennett and his lawyer Gordon Sattro were working with a Los Angeles County Sheriff's investigation regarding the claims of sexual assault against Argento.[18]
Filmography
[edit]| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2003 | The Jungle Book 2 | Hathi Jr. | Voice |
| Daddy Day Care | The Flash/Tony | ||
| 2004 | Winnie the Pooh: Springtime with Roo | Roo | Voice |
| The Heart Is Deceitful Above All Things | Young Jeremiah | ||
| Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy | Tommy | ||
| The Polar Express | Billy the Lonely Boy | Voice | |
| 2005 | Hostage | Tommy Smith | |
| The Amityville Horror | Michael Lutz | ||
| Pooh's Heffalump Halloween Movie | Roo | Voice | |
| 2006 | Firewall | Andy Stanfield | |
| Poseidon | Conor James | ||
| Shark Bait | Young Pi | Voice | |
| 2007 | Evan Almighty | Ryan Baxter | |
| South of Pico | Mark Weston | ||
| 2008 | Diminished Capacity | Dillon | |
| Snow Buddies | Buddha | Voice | |
| Trucker | Peter | ||
| 2009 | Star Trek | Young James T. Kirk | |
| Orphan | Daniel "Danny" Coleman | ||
| Shorts | Toby Thompson | ||
| Alabama Moon | Moon Blake | ||
| Stolen | John Wakefield | ||
| 2010 | Bones | Bones White | |
| 2011 | Ghild | Ralph Gullivan | Short film |
| 2013 | Movie 43 | Nathan | Segment: "Middleschool Date" |
| 2014 | Camouflage | Kevin | |
| 2015 | Bad Asses on the Bayou | Ronald | |
| A Girl Like Her | Brian Slater | ||
| 2017 | Heartthrob | Dustin |
| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2002 | Strong Medicine | Willy | Episode: "Admissions" |
| The Guardian | Matty Butler | Episode: "Monster" | |
| 2003 | Judging Amy | Cory Sinkler | Episode: "Just Say Oops" |
| I Want a Dog for Christmas, Charlie Brown | Rerun Van Pelt | Voice, television special | |
| 2004 | CSI: Crime Scene Investigation | Henry Turner | Episode: "Paper or Plastic?" |
| 2004–2005 | Everwood | Sam Feeney | 3 episodes |
| 2005 | Detective | Ivan Tempone | Television film |
| 2006 | He's a Bully, Charlie Brown | Rerun van Pelt | Voice, television special |
| 2007 | Gilmore Girls | Macon | Episode: "Santa's Secret Stuff" |
| 2010–2011 | No Ordinary Family | James "JJ" Powell Jr. | Main cast; 20 episodes |
| 2011 | Breaking In | Episode: "21.0 Jump Street" | |
| 2012 | Perception | Alex Willingham | 2 episodes |
| 2014 | Garfunkel and Oates | Braden | Episode: "Maturity" |
| 2015 | Murder in the First | Alfie Rentman | 2 episodes |
| 2016 | From Dusk till Dawn: The Series | Fanglorious Bandmate | 1 episode |
| 2017 | Bosch | Mojo | 4 episodes |
| 2022 | Pachinko | Andrew Holmes | Episode: "Chapter Seven" |
| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2004 | The Polar Express | Billy the Lonely Boy | |
| 2005 | Winnie the Pooh's Rumbly Tumbly Adventure | Roo | |
| 2006 | Kingdom Hearts II | English dub | |
| 2007 | Kingdom Hearts II: Final Mix+ |
| Title | Year | Performer | Album | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| "Stingray Affliction" | 2014 | Issues | Issues | [19][20] |
| "Downfalls High" | 2021 | Machine Gun Kelly | Tickets To My Downfall | [21] |
Awards and nominations
[edit]| Year | Award | Category | Work | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2004 | Young Artist Award | Best Performance in a Feature Film – Young Actor Age Ten or Younger | Daddy Day Care | Nominated |
| Best Performance in a Feature Film – Young Ensemble Cast | Nominated | |||
| 2005 | Outstanding Young Ensemble in a New Medium | The Polar Express | Won | |
| 2007 | Best Performance in a Feature Film – Young Actor Age Ten or Younger | Firewall | Nominated | |
| 2008 | Best Performance in a Feature Film – Supporting Young Actor (Comedy or Musical) | Evan Almighty | Nominated | |
| 2010 | Best Performance in a Feature Film – Leading Young Actor | Alabama Moon | Nominated | |
| Best Performance in a Feature Film – Young Ensemble Cast | Shorts | Won | ||
| 2014 | Golden Raspberry Award | Worst Screen Combo (shared with the entire cast) | Movie 43 | Nominated |
References
[edit]- ^ a b c Severson, Kim (August 19, 2018). "Asia Argento, Who Accused Weinstein, Made Deal With Her Own Accuser". The New York Times. New York City. Retrieved August 20, 2018.
- ^ Epting, Chris (December 29, 2010). "In the Pipeline: Rock history is on the menu". Chicago Tribune. Chicago, Illinois: Tronc. Retrieved October 4, 2018.
- ^ "LA Teen Festival The Magazine". Lateenfestival.com. Archived from the original on March 19, 2012. Retrieved February 21, 2012.
- ^ "Rockin The Crepe". Fb101.com. Archived from the original on March 19, 2012. Retrieved February 21, 2012.
- ^ "Jimmy Bennett Biography, Celebrity Facts and Awards". TV Guide. Portland, Oregon: NTVB Media. Retrieved October 4, 2018.
- ^ "EXCLUSIVE: Jimmy Bennett Debuts 'Over Again' Music Video". ClevverTV. August 18, 2011. Archived from the original on March 18, 2012. Retrieved February 21, 2012.
- ^ Severson, Kim (August 19, 2018). "Asia Argento, Who Accused Weinstein, Made Deal With Her Own Accuser". The New York Times. New York City. Retrieved August 20, 2018.
- ^ North, Anna (August 23, 2018). "The sexual assault allegations against #MeToo advocate Asia Argento, explained". vox.com. New York City: Vox Media. Retrieved October 5, 2018.
- ^ Lane, Anthony (March 5, 2006). "Telling Tales". The New Yorker.
- ^ Puente, Maria (August 22, 2018). "Jimmy Bennett speaks about Asia Argento: We DID have sex when I was underage". USA Today. Mclean, Virginia: Gannett Company. Retrieved October 4, 2018.
- ^ Miller, Julie (October 1, 2018). "Asia Argento Details Alleged Assault By Jimmy Bennett; Asks X Factor Italy to Rehire Her". Vanity Fair. New York City: Condé Nast. Retrieved October 4, 2018.
- ^ Melas, Chloe (September 5, 2018). "Asia Argento's attorney says 17-year-old sexually 'attacked' her". CNN. Atlanta, Georgia: Turner Broadcasting Systems. Retrieved October 4, 2018.
- ^ "Photo, text messages appear to contradict Asia Argento's denial of relationship". NBC News. August 23, 2018. Retrieved September 27, 2024.
- ^ Marcus, Emily (August 29, 2018). "Rain Dove Sent Asia Argento Texts About Sexual Assault Case to Authorities". Us Weekly. Retrieved September 27, 2024.
- ^ Vercammen, Sara Sidner, Paul (August 29, 2018). "Rain Dove speaks out about Asia Argento allegations". CNN. Retrieved September 27, 2024.
{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link) - ^ "Asia Argento: Rose McGowan speaks up for accuser Jimmy Bennett". August 28, 2018. Retrieved October 6, 2025.
- ^ Melas, Chloe (September 5, 2018). "Asia Argento's attorney says 17-year-old sexually 'attacked' her". CNN. Retrieved September 27, 2024.
- ^ Winton, Richard (September 7, 2018). "Young actor accusing Asia Argento of sex abuse as a minor will work with detectives, his lawyer says". Los Angeles Times. Los Angeles, California. Retrieved September 8, 2018.
- ^ "Issues - Stingray Affliction'". YouTube. February 17, 2014. Archived from the original on December 13, 2021.
- ^ "Issues - Stingray Affliction'". Stefan Anderson Producer. February 17, 2014. Archived from the original on September 7, 2018. Retrieved September 7, 2018.
- ^ "Machine Gun Kelly - Downfalls High". YouTube. January 18, 2021.
External links
[edit]Jimmy Bennett
View on GrokipediaEarly Life
Childhood and Family Background
James Michael Bennett was born on February 9, 1996, in Seal Beach, California.[1] He grew up in nearby Huntington Beach, California, residing with his parents and a sister, though specific details about his family's professional or personal lives remain largely private and undisclosed in public records.[12] At the age of six, Bennett expressed a personal ambition to appear on television, prompting his entry into the entertainment industry through commercial work; he secured multiple bookings in quick succession, marking his initial foray into performing before transitioning to on-screen roles.[13] This early self-motivated pursuit of acting, without documented formal training or familial involvement in the arts, laid the groundwork for his subsequent career, alongside developing interests in music such as guitar playing.[2]Acting Career
Early Child Roles (2003–2008)
Bennett began his acting career with television commercials at age six before securing his feature film debut in Daddy Day Care (2003), where he portrayed Tony, also known as The Flash, a energetic child in the titular daycare group.[14] [15] Born on February 9, 1996, Bennett was seven years old during filming, contributing to the ensemble of young performers alongside stars like Eddie Murphy.[16] This role introduced him to wide audiences in a family comedy that emphasized group dynamics among preschool-aged characters. In 2005, Bennett expanded into thrillers with supporting parts in Hostage, playing Tommy Smith, the son of a family taken hostage, opposite Bruce Willis, and The Amityville Horror, a remake where he depicted a young family member amid supernatural events. [17] [18] The following year, he appeared in the disaster film Poseidon (2006) as Conor James, a boy navigating the capsized luxury liner's chaos alongside Kurt Russell and Josh Lucas.[19] These roles demonstrated his adaptability across genres, from high-stakes tension to survival scenarios. Bennett supplemented his film work with guest appearances on television series, including episodes of The Guardian (2003), Judging Amy (2004), CSI: Crime Scene Investigation, and Everwood during this period, which helped build his on-screen presence in dramatic and procedural formats.[1] [20] These early television spots, often portraying inquisitive children, aligned with the demands of child acting in structured narratives.Breakthrough Teenage Roles (2009–2015)
Bennett's breakthrough into teenage roles began in 2009 with his portrayal of the young James T. Kirk in Star Trek, directed by J.J. Abrams, where he depicted the character's rebellious adolescent phase through a memorable opening sequence involving a daring car stunt on an Iowa road.[21][18] This role, though brief, showcased his ability to embody youthful alienation and defiance, aligning with the film's alternate reality origin story for the iconic captain and contributing to its status as a blockbuster reboot. In the same year, he appeared as Daniel Coleman in the psychological horror film Orphan, playing the frightened adoptive brother to a deceptive child antagonist, demonstrating early command of tense, emotional family dynamics amid terror.[22] From 2010 to 2011, Bennett starred as JJ Powell in the ABC superhero family drama No Ordinary Family, portraying a high school teenager who acquires intuitive super-intelligence following a plane crash that empowers his family.[23] His character grappled with academic pressures, social isolation due to his enhanced intellect, and strained sibling relationships, allowing Bennett to explore nuanced portrayals of adolescent identity crisis and familial bonds in a genre-blending series that aired for two seasons.[24] The role marked a significant step in his transition, earning recognition for character development amid the show's mix of action and heartfelt drama.[23] By 2013, Bennett appeared in the ensemble comedy anthology Movie 43 as Nathan in the "Middleschool Date" segment, highlighting his versatility in lighter, awkward teen scenarios.[25] In 2015, he took on the role of Brian Slater in A Girl Like Her, a mockumentary-style film addressing high school bullying, where he played the remorseful ex-boyfriend whose aggressive actions precipitate a peer's suicide attempt, delving into the complexities of toxic teenage relationships and regret.[26] These projects underscored his evolution toward more layered adolescent characters, distinct from prior child-centric innocence, though amid varying commercial outcomes for the productions.[27]Transition to Adult Roles and Recent Projects (2016–present)
Following his teenage roles, Bennett's acting output diminished significantly, with no major lead parts in feature films after 2015. His transition to adult-oriented projects featured supporting or guest capacities in independent thrillers and television, reflecting the common trajectory for former child performers where opportunities often contract amid industry preferences for established adult talent. In 2017, he appeared as Dustin in the independent thriller Heartthrob, portraying a character entangled in a fatal obsession subplot, which premiered at limited festivals before a direct-to-video release.[28] Bennett took on episodic television roles during this period, including Frost in the third season of From Dusk Till Dawn: The Series (2016), a supernatural crime drama.[29] He later guest-starred as Andrew Holmes, a tutoring student, in the 2022 Apple TV+ series Pachinko (episode "Chapter Seven"), contributing to its ensemble depiction of Korean immigrant experiences across generations. Additionally, in 2021, he played a named role in Downfalls High, a short musical drama directed by Machine Gun Kelly.[1] By 2025, Bennett's on-screen presence remained infrequent, with these scattered credits underscoring a pivot away from consistent Hollywood employment typical of many ex-child actors, who face attrition rates exceeding 90% in sustaining viable careers post-adolescence, per industry analyses of guild data. No major theatrical releases or series regulars have materialized since, aligning with his pursuits in music and other endeavors.[1]Music Career
Musical Activities and Releases
Bennett began pursuing music alongside his acting career during his teenage years, releasing his debut single "Over Again" in August 2011 at age 15.[30] The track, accompanied by a music video, showcased his songwriting and vocal abilities in a pop-rock style, with live performances at a Sunset Strip release party where he also debuted "Everything About You" from an associated EP.[31] [32] These early efforts highlighted his self-taught guitar skills and original compositions, independent of major label backing.[33] Following a period focused on acting, Bennett resumed independent music releases in the early 2020s, distributing tracks via streaming platforms as a solo rock artist. Notable singles include "For You," released in June 2023 with an official music video emphasizing personal themes of resilience and relationships.[34] Subsequent outputs such as "What She Needs" (January 2024) and "Dead2me" (2024) reflect raw, introspective songwriting, available on services like Spotify and Apple Music, where they have garnered thousands of streams.[35] These self-produced works prioritize authentic expression over commercial production, often shared directly through social media.[36] In parallel, Bennett joined the rock band From Ashes to New as a guitarist around mid-2024, contributing to their nu-metal and alternative rock sound during tours like the Blackout Tour and New Disease Tour.[37] His involvement underscores music as a creative outlet during acting lulls, with live performances amplifying his versatility beyond scripted roles.[38] This phase emphasizes empirical fan engagement via platforms like Instagram, rather than traditional industry promotion.[39]Controversies
Relationship with Asia Argento
Jimmy Bennett first met Asia Argento in 2004 on the set of the film The Heart Is Deceitful Above All Things, which Argento directed and in which she starred as the mother of Bennett's character; at the time, Bennett was seven years old and portrayed her on-screen son.[40][41][42] The professional collaboration fostered an ongoing personal connection, with Argento described in legal documents as serving as both a mentor and a mother figure to Bennett in subsequent years.[5][43] Public social media interactions evidenced a close, affectionate rapport prior to 2013. On May 9, 2013, Argento posted multiple Instagram photographs of herself with Bennett at different locations, captioning them to refer to him as "my son, my love."[11][44] Bennett similarly expressed familial regard toward Argento in his own posts, addressing her as a "mom" figure.[40] Their interactions occurred amid a significant age disparity—Bennett was 17 in 2013, while Argento was 37—and inherent power imbalances common in Hollywood, where established figures like Argento held influence over emerging actors such as Bennett.[5][43] California's age of consent is 18, establishing a legal threshold for sexual activity irrespective of perceived maturity or relational dynamics.[5]Sexual Misconduct Allegations and Legal Settlement
In August 2018, actor Jimmy Bennett publicly accused Asia Argento of sexually assaulting him on May 9, 2013, in a California hotel room in Marina del Rey, alleging that she provided him with alcohol before performing oral sex on him and engaging in sexual intercourse despite his reluctance.[5][45] Bennett, who was 17 at the time and thus below California's age of consent of 18, stated that the encounter caused him emotional distress and professional setbacks, prompting him to seek compensation shortly after Argento accused Harvey Weinstein of rape in October 2017.[46][6] Argento denied the assault allegations and any sexual contact with Bennett, asserting through her attorney that she had no intimate relationship with him and that the payment was a precautionary measure to avoid potential litigation amid the #MeToo movement's scrutiny.[47][48] In a statement, Argento claimed the settlement was urged by her late partner Anthony Bourdain to prevent damaging headlines that could undermine #MeToo, emphasizing that Bennett had initiated legal demands without prior contact.[47] Documents obtained by The New York Times revealed that Bennett's attorney sent a demand letter to Argento in October 2017, leading to a November 2017 settlement agreement for $380,000 paid in installments, including $200,000 initially and the balance over time, in exchange for a nondisclosure agreement barring Bennett from discussing the matter or pursuing civil claims.[5][8] Argento's lawyer confirmed the payout but framed it as avoiding "even the possibility of future legal action" rather than an admission of wrongdoing.[5] No criminal charges were filed against Argento, despite the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department reviewing the allegations in August 2018; under California Penal Code Section 261.5, sexual intercourse with a minor under 18 constitutes statutory rape regardless of consent, though the statute of limitations for such cases had expired by 2017.[49][6] The civil settlement resolved Bennett's claims without admission of liability, and payments reportedly ceased after the public disclosure in 2018 due to Argento's financial difficulties.[8]Diverse Viewpoints and Media Coverage
Jimmy Bennett stated that his delay in publicly disclosing the alleged 2013 assault stemmed from feelings of shame and fear, with the trauma resurfacing only after Asia Argento positioned herself as a #MeToo victim in 2017, prompting him to seek compensation at age 21.[50] This account, while emphasizing emotional barriers common in abuse claims, has been contrasted by observers noting Bennett's near-adult status at 17—California's age of consent being 18—and their prior professional acquaintance from co-starring in a 2004 film, which challenges assumptions of inherent power imbalances in encounters involving late teenagers.[5][51] Critics from right-leaning perspectives, including Harvey Weinstein's attorney Benjamin Brafman, highlighted Argento's alleged hypocrisy as a #MeToo leader who publicly condemned older-male predators while reportedly engaging in similar conduct with a younger co-star, arguing it exposed selective application of accountability standards.[52][51] In contrast, left-leaning advocates like Alyssa Milano defended the movement's integrity, asserting that Argento's accountability—via the $380,000 settlement paid in 2018 without an admission of guilt—demonstrates #MeToo's gender-neutral push for justice rather than undermining it, with the payout structured as pragmatic risk mitigation including a non-disclosure agreement.[6][53] Media coverage revealed biases, with mainstream outlets like The New York Times and The Guardian amplifying the story's implications for #MeToo's credibility while often foregrounding Argento's victim narrative from Weinstein allegations, sometimes glossing over Bennett's confirmed encounter details and lack of documented coercion evidence in favor of broader movement defenses.[5][7] Right-leaning commentary, such as in Spiked, critiqued this as a failure to apply consistent scrutiny, portraying Argento's fallout as a self-inflicted "witch hunt" rather than systemic reckoning, underscoring how institutional left-leaning tilts in journalism prioritized narrative cohesion over disinterested fact-examination of Bennett's maturity and agency.[51][54]Recognition
Awards and Nominations
Bennett earned two wins and five nominations from the Young Artist Awards, an organization recognizing outstanding performances by young actors in film and television, primarily for his work as a child performer between 2004 and 2010.[55][56][4] These accolades highlighted technical proficiency in ensemble dynamics and voice acting, such as his win for Best Performance in a Feature Film - Young Ensemble Cast for Shorts (2009), where he contributed to a cast noted for cohesive group portrayals amid fantastical elements.[56][4] Another win came for voice and motion capture in The Polar Express (2004), acknowledging his role in the film's pioneering performance-capture animation sequences.[4] Nominations included Best Performance in a Feature Film - Leading Young Actor for Alabama Moon (2009), emphasizing solo dramatic range in a coming-of-age narrative, and Best Performance in a Feature Film - Supporting Young Actor for Orphan (2009), where his portrayal involved intense emotional restraint opposite established leads.[55][56] Earlier nods covered supporting roles in Hostage (2005) and Firewall (2006), reflecting peer recognition in high-stakes thrillers despite competitive fields dominated by prolific child actors.[55][57]| Year | Award | Category | Result | Work |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2010 | Young Artist Award | Best Performance in a Feature Film - Young Ensemble Cast | Win | Shorts |
| 2010 | Young Artist Award | Best Performance in a Feature Film - Leading Young Actor | Nomination | Alabama Moon |
| 2009/2010 | Young Artist Award | Best Performance in a Feature Film - Supporting Young Actor | Nomination | Orphan |
| 2008 | Young Artist Award | Best Performance in a Feature Film - Supporting Young Actor | Nomination | Firewall |
| 2005 | Young Artist Award | Best Performance in a Feature Film | Nomination | Hostage |
| 2004/2005 | Young Artist Award | Outstanding Voiceover or Motion Capture Performance | Win | The Polar Express |