And the award for the “Most Huggable Character of 2015” goes to…….drum roll please, Baymax, the lovable, personal companion robot and star of Walt Disney Animation Studios feature film “Big Hero 6.”
While Baymax and the rest of the residents of San Fransokyo will have to wait to see if they take home the coveted Oscar for Best Animated film at this year’s Academy Awards, they are basking in the glow of their most recent honor. Baymax’s distinction as the Most Huggable Character of 2015 comes as we celebrate National Hugging Day on January 21st.
Baymax humbly accepted the award from his residence in San Fransokyo where he attributed the honor to his “non-threatening, huggable design” adding that he looks forward to spending the upcoming year giving and receiving hugs from all.
The day was created to encourage people around the world to show more affection in public. Organizers of the day say there is only one way you are supposed to celebrate the holiday and that is to offer a hug to anyone and everyone you want.
National Hugging Day, also known as National Hug Day, was created by the Reverend Kevin Zaborney in Michigan. Officially recognized by Congress, it was first celebrate in 1986 and has since spread to other countries. The purpose of the day is to encourage people to openly express themselves through hugging. Reverend Zaborney says people can offer a hug to anyone and everyone but “remember it is wise to ask first.”
Maricar Estrella of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram said in a review of “Big Hero 6” that Baymax offers “a hug that can be felt through the screen.
So as you celebrate National Hugging Day remember Fred telling Hiro in the movie, “if I can have only one superpower right now, it would be the ability to crawl through this camera and give you a big hug.”
Whether it is a bear hug, a side to side hug, a cheek hug, a back to front hug or a heart central hug, celebrate and remember to hug responsibly.