From the time it premiered in 1977, George Lucas' "Star Wars" saga took the world by storm and created a cultural phenomenon that has touched generations of kids with its epic battles and legendary characters. In addition to winning eight Academy Awards, the "Star Wars" movies set new standards for sophistication in film visuals and sound, and revolutionized the toy industry at the same time. The first "Star Wars" film inspired Kenner Products' creation of the 3-3/4-inch action figure scale, which remains an industry standard today. Designed, manufactured and marketed by Hasbro, Inc. since its purchase of Kenner in 1991, "Star Wars" toys and games are one of the best-selling toy lines in the industry's history.

"George Lucas' devotion to timeless storytelling and cutting-edge innovation has resulted in some of the most successful and beloved films, and in turn, characters and toys of all time," said Pasin. "Children and children-at-heart around the world have been enthralled and entertained, and will continue to be so through the classic toys and games based on his films."

The ceremony inducting Lucas will take place as part of the seventh annual T.O.T.Y. (Toy Of The Year) Awards event, set for the evening of Saturday, February 10, 2007, in New York City at the Marriott Marquis Times Square. Lucas, the 50th Hall of Fame inductee, will be present to accept the honor in person.

Lucas has been the storywriter and executive producer of a series of box-office hits beginning with the continuation of the "Star Wars" saga, "The Empire Strikes Back," in 1980 and "Return of the Jedi" in 1983. In addition to "Star Wars," Lucas is responsible for the success of the "Indiana Jones" trilogy, has produced such acclaimed films as "Tucker: The Man and His Dream" and "Kagemusha," and created the latest "Star Wars" movies -- "The Phantom Menace" (1999), "Attack of the Clones" (2002) and "Revenge of the Sith" (2005). His company, Lucasfilm Ltd., also includes Industrial Light & Magic, the world's foremost visual-effects creator; LucasArts, a leading developer of interactive entertainment software worldwide; and Lucas Licensing, which has expanded the "Star Wars" and "Indiana Jones" brands into best-selling novels, toys and merchandise.

The Toy Industry Hall of Fame, created in 1984, honors individuals who have made a mark on the American toy industry. Nominees may be manufacturers, retailers, designers, inventors, wholesalers or other executives who have made a significant impact in the youth entertainment market. TIA's Board of Directors made an exception and unanimously selected Lucas as the sole inductee for 2007, the first time in T.O.T.Y. Awards history.

More information on the event and ticket sales will be available at www.toy-tia.org.

About the T.O.T.Y. Awards

The T.O.T.Y. Awards were conceived to honor the best toys developed by the international toy industry for consumers in North America. The Awards include eleven industry award categories, and one industry recognition category designed to recognize the best toys and children's entertainment, as well as outstanding individuals, companies and team achievements. Formal invitations to the event will be mailed in November. The T.O.T.Y. Awards ceremony also includes a fundraising campaign to benefit the Toy Industry Foundation (TIF), the philanthropic and educational organization representing the North American toy industry. The Foundation's mission is to make a difference in the lives of children in need, bringing them joy, happiness and comfort through the experience of toys and play.

About TIA

TIA is the trade association for North American producers and importers of toys, games and entertainment products for the youth market. TIA owns and manages the American International TOY FAIR®; ToyCon, TIA's Annual Meeting and Conference; Multi-Discipline Conference; and American International Fall Toy Show™. TIA also manages the International Halloween Show. Visit the TIA website at: www.toy-tia.org.