The Presidential Proclamation

The Presidential Proclamation recognizes individuals of established and outstanding status and reputation in the motion picture and television industries worldwide.

In recognition of more than four decades of excellence in engineering and over 100 patents ranging from electrical engineering to bringing fantasy and sci-fi science into reality. As the patent holder for glassless 3D displays and a functional lightsaber, his work has brought joy and inspiration to generations of moviegoers and theme park attendees. His work and dedication to inspiring young people to pursue STEM careers knows no bounds.

LANNY SMOOT Disney Research Fellow Walt Disney Imagineering Research & Development Lanny has spent more than 47 years as a theatrical technology creator, inventor, electrical engineer, scientist and researcher — with 25 of those years at The Walt Disney Company. Lanny holds Bachelors and Masters degrees in electrical engineering from Columbia University and he has invented and patented many forward-looking technologies that allow Disney and, ultimately, the theatrical community at large to create new magic, illusions and entertainment. With 106 patents to his name, he is Disney’s most prolific inventor. His work can be seen throughout Disney’s theme parks, resorts and cruise ships worldwide. Before Disney, Lanny worked at Bell Labs and then at Bell Communications Research for more than two decades working on the early development of video-on-demand technology, video conferencing, early fiber optic receivers, and more. Lanny has received numerous awards and earlier this year, was inducted into the National Inventors Hall of Fame near Washington, DC.