Though he's only directed three features in his career, Brad Bird has already left a substantial mark on the film world (his departure from The Simpsons led to the show's downfall, but that's a whole other thing entirely). But after making great animated movies like The Iron Giant, The Incredibles and Ratatouille, he has now made a move into live-action, where he claims to be...happier.

Bird was recently given the Winsor McCay Award at the 2011 Annie Awards, and though he couldn't be there in person, sent in a video sending out his thanks from the set of Mission Impossible 4: Ghost Protocol. If he seems a bit awkward on camera there's a pretty good reason, but you have to stick around until the end to find out why.

Check out the video below. The first bit is a recap of Brad Bird's entire career, but his speech begins at 4:30. It's well worth your time.