In 2001 , Heal the Bay , an environmental nonprofit organization , honored Hillenburg with its Walk the Talk award . He was recognized for raising public awareness of marine life through '' SpongeBob SquarePants '' . The following year , Hillenburg was given the Television Animation Award from the National Cartoonists Society , and the Princess Grace Statue Award from the Princess Grace Foundation . In 2018 , Hillenburg received the Winsor McCay Award at the 45th Annie Awards , and a special recognition at the 45th Daytime Emmy Awards " for his contribution and impact made in the animation field and within the broadcast industry . "
45th Daytime Emmy Awards
45th Daytime Emmy Awards
Stephen Hillenburg