The 53rd Annie Awards ceremony takes place February 21 at UCLA’s Royce Hall, presented by ASIFA-Hollywood, the largest chapter of the international animation organization dedicated to promoting animation art and celebrating its creators.
Technical categories highlight how sophisticated modern animation has become, with specialized teams for effects, character animation, and production design all receiving dedicated recognition.
The 53rd Annie Awards ceremony takes place February 21 at UCLA’s Royce Hall, presented by ASIFA-Hollywood, the largest chapter of the international animation organization dedicated to promoting animation art and celebrating its creators.
Technical categories highlight how sophisticated modern animation has become, with specialized teams for effects, character animation, and production design all receiving dedicated recognition.
The 53rd Annie Awards ceremony takes place February 21 at UCLA’s Royce Hall, presented by ASIFA-Hollywood, the largest chapter of the international animation organization dedicated to promoting animation art and celebrating its creators.
The expansion of categories to include video games and live-action integration acknowledges animation’s growing influence across entertainment media.
Technical categories highlight how sophisticated modern animation has become, with specialized teams for effects, character animation, and production design all receiving dedicated recognition.
The 53rd Annie Awards ceremony takes place February 21 at UCLA’s Royce Hall, presented by ASIFA-Hollywood, the largest chapter of the international animation organization dedicated to promoting animation art and celebrating its creators.
The expansion of categories to include video games and live-action integration acknowledges animation’s growing influence across entertainment media.
Technical categories highlight how sophisticated modern animation has become, with specialized teams for effects, character animation, and production design all receiving dedicated recognition.
The 53rd Annie Awards ceremony takes place February 21 at UCLA’s Royce Hall, presented by ASIFA-Hollywood, the largest chapter of the international animation organization dedicated to promoting animation art and celebrating its creators.
Traditional studios remain competitive, but independent international productions are gaining recognition that was once reserved for major studio releases.
The expansion of categories to include video games and live-action integration acknowledges animation’s growing influence across entertainment media.
Technical categories highlight how sophisticated modern animation has become, with specialized teams for effects, character animation, and production design all receiving dedicated recognition.
The 53rd Annie Awards ceremony takes place February 21 at UCLA’s Royce Hall, presented by ASIFA-Hollywood, the largest chapter of the international animation organization dedicated to promoting animation art and celebrating its creators.
Traditional studios remain competitive, but independent international productions are gaining recognition that was once reserved for major studio releases.
The expansion of categories to include video games and live-action integration acknowledges animation’s growing influence across entertainment media.
Technical categories highlight how sophisticated modern animation has become, with specialized teams for effects, character animation, and production design all receiving dedicated recognition.
The 53rd Annie Awards ceremony takes place February 21 at UCLA’s Royce Hall, presented by ASIFA-Hollywood, the largest chapter of the international animation organization dedicated to promoting animation art and celebrating its creators.
Streaming platforms like Netflix continue investing heavily in animated content, with multiple nominations across original films and series.
Traditional studios remain competitive, but independent international productions are gaining recognition that was once reserved for major studio releases.
The expansion of categories to include video games and live-action integration acknowledges animation’s growing influence across entertainment media.
Technical categories highlight how sophisticated modern animation has become, with specialized teams for effects, character animation, and production design all receiving dedicated recognition.
The 53rd Annie Awards ceremony takes place February 21 at UCLA’s Royce Hall, presented by ASIFA-Hollywood, the largest chapter of the international animation organization dedicated to promoting animation art and celebrating its creators.
Streaming platforms like Netflix continue investing heavily in animated content, with multiple nominations across original films and series.
Traditional studios remain competitive, but independent international productions are gaining recognition that was once reserved for major studio releases.
The expansion of categories to include video games and live-action integration acknowledges animation’s growing influence across entertainment media.
Technical categories highlight how sophisticated modern animation has become, with specialized teams for effects, character animation, and production design all receiving dedicated recognition.
The 53rd Annie Awards ceremony takes place February 21 at UCLA’s Royce Hall, presented by ASIFA-Hollywood, the largest chapter of the international animation organization dedicated to promoting animation art and celebrating its creators.
The 2026 Annie Awards nominations reveal several industry trends.
Streaming platforms like Netflix continue investing heavily in animated content, with multiple nominations across original films and series.
Traditional studios remain competitive, but independent international productions are gaining recognition that was once reserved for major studio releases.
The expansion of categories to include video games and live-action integration acknowledges animation’s growing influence across entertainment media.
Technical categories highlight how sophisticated modern animation has become, with specialized teams for effects, character animation, and production design all receiving dedicated recognition.
The 53rd Annie Awards ceremony takes place February 21 at UCLA’s Royce Hall, presented by ASIFA-Hollywood, the largest chapter of the international animation organization dedicated to promoting animation art and celebrating its creators.
The 2026 Annie Awards nominations reveal several industry trends.
Streaming platforms like Netflix continue investing heavily in animated content, with multiple nominations across original films and series.
Traditional studios remain competitive, but independent international productions are gaining recognition that was once reserved for major studio releases.
The expansion of categories to include video games and live-action integration acknowledges animation’s growing influence across entertainment media.
Technical categories highlight how sophisticated modern animation has become, with specialized teams for effects, character animation, and production design all receiving dedicated recognition.
The 53rd Annie Awards ceremony takes place February 21 at UCLA’s Royce Hall, presented by ASIFA-Hollywood, the largest chapter of the international animation organization dedicated to promoting animation art and celebrating its creators.
What These Nominations Mean for Animation’s Future
The 2026 Annie Awards nominations reveal several industry trends.
Streaming platforms like Netflix continue investing heavily in animated content, with multiple nominations across original films and series.
Traditional studios remain competitive, but independent international productions are gaining recognition that was once reserved for major studio releases.
The expansion of categories to include video games and live-action integration acknowledges animation’s growing influence across entertainment media.
Technical categories highlight how sophisticated modern animation has become, with specialized teams for effects, character animation, and production design all receiving dedicated recognition.
The 53rd Annie Awards ceremony takes place February 21 at UCLA’s Royce Hall, presented by ASIFA-Hollywood, the largest chapter of the international animation organization dedicated to promoting animation art and celebrating its creators.
What These Nominations Mean for Animation’s Future
The 2026 Annie Awards nominations reveal several industry trends.
Streaming platforms like Netflix continue investing heavily in animated content, with multiple nominations across original films and series.
Traditional studios remain competitive, but independent international productions are gaining recognition that was once reserved for major studio releases.
The expansion of categories to include video games and live-action integration acknowledges animation’s growing influence across entertainment media.
Technical categories highlight how sophisticated modern animation has become, with specialized teams for effects, character animation, and production design all receiving dedicated recognition.
The 53rd Annie Awards ceremony takes place February 21 at UCLA’s Royce Hall, presented by ASIFA-Hollywood, the largest chapter of the international animation organization dedicated to promoting animation art and celebrating its creators.
These nominations reflect animation’s ability to attract diverse talent capable of bringing characters to life through vocal performance alone.
What These Nominations Mean for Animation’s Future
The 2026 Annie Awards nominations reveal several industry trends.
Streaming platforms like Netflix continue investing heavily in animated content, with multiple nominations across original films and series.
Traditional studios remain competitive, but independent international productions are gaining recognition that was once reserved for major studio releases.
The expansion of categories to include video games and live-action integration acknowledges animation’s growing influence across entertainment media.
Technical categories highlight how sophisticated modern animation has become, with specialized teams for effects, character animation, and production design all receiving dedicated recognition.
The 53rd Annie Awards ceremony takes place February 21 at UCLA’s Royce Hall, presented by ASIFA-Hollywood, the largest chapter of the international animation organization dedicated to promoting animation art and celebrating its creators.
These nominations reflect animation’s ability to attract diverse talent capable of bringing characters to life through vocal performance alone.
What These Nominations Mean for Animation’s Future
The 2026 Annie Awards nominations reveal several industry trends.
Streaming platforms like Netflix continue investing heavily in animated content, with multiple nominations across original films and series.
Traditional studios remain competitive, but independent international productions are gaining recognition that was once reserved for major studio releases.
The expansion of categories to include video games and live-action integration acknowledges animation’s growing influence across entertainment media.
Technical categories highlight how sophisticated modern animation has become, with specialized teams for effects, character animation, and production design all receiving dedicated recognition.
The 53rd Annie Awards ceremony takes place February 21 at UCLA’s Royce Hall, presented by ASIFA-Hollywood, the largest chapter of the international animation organization dedicated to promoting animation art and celebrating its creators.
Feature film voice acting nominees include Arden Cho (KPop Demon Hunters), Remy Edgerly (Elio), and Maitreyi Ramakrishnan (The Twits).
These nominations reflect animation’s ability to attract diverse talent capable of bringing characters to life through vocal performance alone.
What These Nominations Mean for Animation’s Future
The 2026 Annie Awards nominations reveal several industry trends.
Streaming platforms like Netflix continue investing heavily in animated content, with multiple nominations across original films and series.
Traditional studios remain competitive, but independent international productions are gaining recognition that was once reserved for major studio releases.
The expansion of categories to include video games and live-action integration acknowledges animation’s growing influence across entertainment media.
Technical categories highlight how sophisticated modern animation has become, with specialized teams for effects, character animation, and production design all receiving dedicated recognition.
The 53rd Annie Awards ceremony takes place February 21 at UCLA’s Royce Hall, presented by ASIFA-Hollywood, the largest chapter of the international animation organization dedicated to promoting animation art and celebrating its creators.
Feature film voice acting nominees include Arden Cho (KPop Demon Hunters), Remy Edgerly (Elio), and Maitreyi Ramakrishnan (The Twits).
These nominations reflect animation’s ability to attract diverse talent capable of bringing characters to life through vocal performance alone.
What These Nominations Mean for Animation’s Future
The 2026 Annie Awards nominations reveal several industry trends.
Streaming platforms like Netflix continue investing heavily in animated content, with multiple nominations across original films and series.
Traditional studios remain competitive, but independent international productions are gaining recognition that was once reserved for major studio releases.
The expansion of categories to include video games and live-action integration acknowledges animation’s growing influence across entertainment media.
Technical categories highlight how sophisticated modern animation has become, with specialized teams for effects, character animation, and production design all receiving dedicated recognition.
The 53rd Annie Awards ceremony takes place February 21 at UCLA’s Royce Hall, presented by ASIFA-Hollywood, the largest chapter of the international animation organization dedicated to promoting animation art and celebrating its creators.
Dan Mintz secured recognition for voicing Tina Belcher in Bob’s Burgers, while Erika Henningsen earned a nod for Charlie Morningstar in Amazon’s Hazbin Hotel.
Feature film voice acting nominees include Arden Cho (KPop Demon Hunters), Remy Edgerly (Elio), and Maitreyi Ramakrishnan (The Twits).
These nominations reflect animation’s ability to attract diverse talent capable of bringing characters to life through vocal performance alone.
What These Nominations Mean for Animation’s Future
The 2026 Annie Awards nominations reveal several industry trends.
Streaming platforms like Netflix continue investing heavily in animated content, with multiple nominations across original films and series.
Traditional studios remain competitive, but independent international productions are gaining recognition that was once reserved for major studio releases.
The expansion of categories to include video games and live-action integration acknowledges animation’s growing influence across entertainment media.
Technical categories highlight how sophisticated modern animation has become, with specialized teams for effects, character animation, and production design all receiving dedicated recognition.
The 53rd Annie Awards ceremony takes place February 21 at UCLA’s Royce Hall, presented by ASIFA-Hollywood, the largest chapter of the international animation organization dedicated to promoting animation art and celebrating its creators.
Dan Mintz secured recognition for voicing Tina Belcher in Bob’s Burgers, while Erika Henningsen earned a nod for Charlie Morningstar in Amazon’s Hazbin Hotel.
Feature film voice acting nominees include Arden Cho (KPop Demon Hunters), Remy Edgerly (Elio), and Maitreyi Ramakrishnan (The Twits).
These nominations reflect animation’s ability to attract diverse talent capable of bringing characters to life through vocal performance alone.
What These Nominations Mean for Animation’s Future
The 2026 Annie Awards nominations reveal several industry trends.
Streaming platforms like Netflix continue investing heavily in animated content, with multiple nominations across original films and series.
Traditional studios remain competitive, but independent international productions are gaining recognition that was once reserved for major studio releases.
The expansion of categories to include video games and live-action integration acknowledges animation’s growing influence across entertainment media.
Technical categories highlight how sophisticated modern animation has become, with specialized teams for effects, character animation, and production design all receiving dedicated recognition.
The 53rd Annie Awards ceremony takes place February 21 at UCLA’s Royce Hall, presented by ASIFA-Hollywood, the largest chapter of the international animation organization dedicated to promoting animation art and celebrating its creators.
Outstanding voice performances earned nominations across both television and feature categories.
Dan Mintz secured recognition for voicing Tina Belcher in Bob’s Burgers, while Erika Henningsen earned a nod for Charlie Morningstar in Amazon’s Hazbin Hotel.
Feature film voice acting nominees include Arden Cho (KPop Demon Hunters), Remy Edgerly (Elio), and Maitreyi Ramakrishnan (The Twits).
These nominations reflect animation’s ability to attract diverse talent capable of bringing characters to life through vocal performance alone.
What These Nominations Mean for Animation’s Future
The 2026 Annie Awards nominations reveal several industry trends.
Streaming platforms like Netflix continue investing heavily in animated content, with multiple nominations across original films and series.
Traditional studios remain competitive, but independent international productions are gaining recognition that was once reserved for major studio releases.
The expansion of categories to include video games and live-action integration acknowledges animation’s growing influence across entertainment media.
Technical categories highlight how sophisticated modern animation has become, with specialized teams for effects, character animation, and production design all receiving dedicated recognition.
The 53rd Annie Awards ceremony takes place February 21 at UCLA’s Royce Hall, presented by ASIFA-Hollywood, the largest chapter of the international animation organization dedicated to promoting animation art and celebrating its creators.
Outstanding voice performances earned nominations across both television and feature categories.
Dan Mintz secured recognition for voicing Tina Belcher in Bob’s Burgers, while Erika Henningsen earned a nod for Charlie Morningstar in Amazon’s Hazbin Hotel.
Feature film voice acting nominees include Arden Cho (KPop Demon Hunters), Remy Edgerly (Elio), and Maitreyi Ramakrishnan (The Twits).
These nominations reflect animation’s ability to attract diverse talent capable of bringing characters to life through vocal performance alone.
What These Nominations Mean for Animation’s Future
The 2026 Annie Awards nominations reveal several industry trends.
Streaming platforms like Netflix continue investing heavily in animated content, with multiple nominations across original films and series.
Traditional studios remain competitive, but independent international productions are gaining recognition that was once reserved for major studio releases.
The expansion of categories to include video games and live-action integration acknowledges animation’s growing influence across entertainment media.
Technical categories highlight how sophisticated modern animation has become, with specialized teams for effects, character animation, and production design all receiving dedicated recognition.
The 53rd Annie Awards ceremony takes place February 21 at UCLA’s Royce Hall, presented by ASIFA-Hollywood, the largest chapter of the international animation organization dedicated to promoting animation art and celebrating its creators.
Voice Acting Recognition Spans Genres and Platforms
Outstanding voice performances earned nominations across both television and feature categories.
Dan Mintz secured recognition for voicing Tina Belcher in Bob’s Burgers, while Erika Henningsen earned a nod for Charlie Morningstar in Amazon’s Hazbin Hotel.
Feature film voice acting nominees include Arden Cho (KPop Demon Hunters), Remy Edgerly (Elio), and Maitreyi Ramakrishnan (The Twits).
These nominations reflect animation’s ability to attract diverse talent capable of bringing characters to life through vocal performance alone.
What These Nominations Mean for Animation’s Future
The 2026 Annie Awards nominations reveal several industry trends.
Streaming platforms like Netflix continue investing heavily in animated content, with multiple nominations across original films and series.
Traditional studios remain competitive, but independent international productions are gaining recognition that was once reserved for major studio releases.
The expansion of categories to include video games and live-action integration acknowledges animation’s growing influence across entertainment media.
Technical categories highlight how sophisticated modern animation has become, with specialized teams for effects, character animation, and production design all receiving dedicated recognition.
The 53rd Annie Awards ceremony takes place February 21 at UCLA’s Royce Hall, presented by ASIFA-Hollywood, the largest chapter of the international animation organization dedicated to promoting animation art and celebrating its creators.
Voice Acting Recognition Spans Genres and Platforms
Outstanding voice performances earned nominations across both television and feature categories.
Dan Mintz secured recognition for voicing Tina Belcher in Bob’s Burgers, while Erika Henningsen earned a nod for Charlie Morningstar in Amazon’s Hazbin Hotel.
Feature film voice acting nominees include Arden Cho (KPop Demon Hunters), Remy Edgerly (Elio), and Maitreyi Ramakrishnan (The Twits).
These nominations reflect animation’s ability to attract diverse talent capable of bringing characters to life through vocal performance alone.
What These Nominations Mean for Animation’s Future
The 2026 Annie Awards nominations reveal several industry trends.
Streaming platforms like Netflix continue investing heavily in animated content, with multiple nominations across original films and series.
Traditional studios remain competitive, but independent international productions are gaining recognition that was once reserved for major studio releases.
The expansion of categories to include video games and live-action integration acknowledges animation’s growing influence across entertainment media.
Technical categories highlight how sophisticated modern animation has become, with specialized teams for effects, character animation, and production design all receiving dedicated recognition.
The 53rd Annie Awards ceremony takes place February 21 at UCLA’s Royce Hall, presented by ASIFA-Hollywood, the largest chapter of the international animation organization dedicated to promoting animation art and celebrating its creators.
Prehistoric Planet: Ice Age from BBC Studios earned multiple nominations, demonstrating how natural history documentaries increasingly rely on cutting-edge animation technology.
Voice Acting Recognition Spans Genres and Platforms
Outstanding voice performances earned nominations across both television and feature categories.
Dan Mintz secured recognition for voicing Tina Belcher in Bob’s Burgers, while Erika Henningsen earned a nod for Charlie Morningstar in Amazon’s Hazbin Hotel.
Feature film voice acting nominees include Arden Cho (KPop Demon Hunters), Remy Edgerly (Elio), and Maitreyi Ramakrishnan (The Twits).
These nominations reflect animation’s ability to attract diverse talent capable of bringing characters to life through vocal performance alone.
What These Nominations Mean for Animation’s Future
The 2026 Annie Awards nominations reveal several industry trends.
Streaming platforms like Netflix continue investing heavily in animated content, with multiple nominations across original films and series.
Traditional studios remain competitive, but independent international productions are gaining recognition that was once reserved for major studio releases.
The expansion of categories to include video games and live-action integration acknowledges animation’s growing influence across entertainment media.
Technical categories highlight how sophisticated modern animation has become, with specialized teams for effects, character animation, and production design all receiving dedicated recognition.
The 53rd Annie Awards ceremony takes place February 21 at UCLA’s Royce Hall, presented by ASIFA-Hollywood, the largest chapter of the international animation organization dedicated to promoting animation art and celebrating its creators.
Prehistoric Planet: Ice Age from BBC Studios earned multiple nominations, demonstrating how natural history documentaries increasingly rely on cutting-edge animation technology.
Voice Acting Recognition Spans Genres and Platforms
Outstanding voice performances earned nominations across both television and feature categories.
Dan Mintz secured recognition for voicing Tina Belcher in Bob’s Burgers, while Erika Henningsen earned a nod for Charlie Morningstar in Amazon’s Hazbin Hotel.
Feature film voice acting nominees include Arden Cho (KPop Demon Hunters), Remy Edgerly (Elio), and Maitreyi Ramakrishnan (The Twits).
These nominations reflect animation’s ability to attract diverse talent capable of bringing characters to life through vocal performance alone.
What These Nominations Mean for Animation’s Future
The 2026 Annie Awards nominations reveal several industry trends.
Streaming platforms like Netflix continue investing heavily in animated content, with multiple nominations across original films and series.
Traditional studios remain competitive, but independent international productions are gaining recognition that was once reserved for major studio releases.
The expansion of categories to include video games and live-action integration acknowledges animation’s growing influence across entertainment media.
Technical categories highlight how sophisticated modern animation has become, with specialized teams for effects, character animation, and production design all receiving dedicated recognition.
The 53rd Annie Awards ceremony takes place February 21 at UCLA’s Royce Hall, presented by ASIFA-Hollywood, the largest chapter of the international animation organization dedicated to promoting animation art and celebrating its creators.
The Best Character Animation – Live Action category recognizes visual effects work in Captain America: Brave New World, How To Train Your Dragon (the live-action adaptation), and Superman.
Prehistoric Planet: Ice Age from BBC Studios earned multiple nominations, demonstrating how natural history documentaries increasingly rely on cutting-edge animation technology.
Voice Acting Recognition Spans Genres and Platforms
Outstanding voice performances earned nominations across both television and feature categories.
Dan Mintz secured recognition for voicing Tina Belcher in Bob’s Burgers, while Erika Henningsen earned a nod for Charlie Morningstar in Amazon’s Hazbin Hotel.
Feature film voice acting nominees include Arden Cho (KPop Demon Hunters), Remy Edgerly (Elio), and Maitreyi Ramakrishnan (The Twits).
These nominations reflect animation’s ability to attract diverse talent capable of bringing characters to life through vocal performance alone.
What These Nominations Mean for Animation’s Future
The 2026 Annie Awards nominations reveal several industry trends.
Streaming platforms like Netflix continue investing heavily in animated content, with multiple nominations across original films and series.
Traditional studios remain competitive, but independent international productions are gaining recognition that was once reserved for major studio releases.
The expansion of categories to include video games and live-action integration acknowledges animation’s growing influence across entertainment media.
Technical categories highlight how sophisticated modern animation has become, with specialized teams for effects, character animation, and production design all receiving dedicated recognition.
The 53rd Annie Awards ceremony takes place February 21 at UCLA’s Royce Hall, presented by ASIFA-Hollywood, the largest chapter of the international animation organization dedicated to promoting animation art and celebrating its creators.
The Best Character Animation – Live Action category recognizes visual effects work in Captain America: Brave New World, How To Train Your Dragon (the live-action adaptation), and Superman.
Prehistoric Planet: Ice Age from BBC Studios earned multiple nominations, demonstrating how natural history documentaries increasingly rely on cutting-edge animation technology.
Voice Acting Recognition Spans Genres and Platforms
Outstanding voice performances earned nominations across both television and feature categories.
Dan Mintz secured recognition for voicing Tina Belcher in Bob’s Burgers, while Erika Henningsen earned a nod for Charlie Morningstar in Amazon’s Hazbin Hotel.
Feature film voice acting nominees include Arden Cho (KPop Demon Hunters), Remy Edgerly (Elio), and Maitreyi Ramakrishnan (The Twits).
These nominations reflect animation’s ability to attract diverse talent capable of bringing characters to life through vocal performance alone.
What These Nominations Mean for Animation’s Future
The 2026 Annie Awards nominations reveal several industry trends.
Streaming platforms like Netflix continue investing heavily in animated content, with multiple nominations across original films and series.
Traditional studios remain competitive, but independent international productions are gaining recognition that was once reserved for major studio releases.
The expansion of categories to include video games and live-action integration acknowledges animation’s growing influence across entertainment media.
Technical categories highlight how sophisticated modern animation has become, with specialized teams for effects, character animation, and production design all receiving dedicated recognition.
The 53rd Annie Awards ceremony takes place February 21 at UCLA’s Royce Hall, presented by ASIFA-Hollywood, the largest chapter of the international animation organization dedicated to promoting animation art and celebrating its creators.
Best Character Animation – Video Game nominees include anticipated titles like Death Stranding 2: On the Beach, Ghost of Yōtei, and South of Midnight.
The Best Character Animation – Live Action category recognizes visual effects work in Captain America: Brave New World, How To Train Your Dragon (the live-action adaptation), and Superman.
Prehistoric Planet: Ice Age from BBC Studios earned multiple nominations, demonstrating how natural history documentaries increasingly rely on cutting-edge animation technology.
Voice Acting Recognition Spans Genres and Platforms
Outstanding voice performances earned nominations across both television and feature categories.
Dan Mintz secured recognition for voicing Tina Belcher in Bob’s Burgers, while Erika Henningsen earned a nod for Charlie Morningstar in Amazon’s Hazbin Hotel.
Feature film voice acting nominees include Arden Cho (KPop Demon Hunters), Remy Edgerly (Elio), and Maitreyi Ramakrishnan (The Twits).
These nominations reflect animation’s ability to attract diverse talent capable of bringing characters to life through vocal performance alone.
What These Nominations Mean for Animation’s Future
The 2026 Annie Awards nominations reveal several industry trends.
Streaming platforms like Netflix continue investing heavily in animated content, with multiple nominations across original films and series.
Traditional studios remain competitive, but independent international productions are gaining recognition that was once reserved for major studio releases.
The expansion of categories to include video games and live-action integration acknowledges animation’s growing influence across entertainment media.
Technical categories highlight how sophisticated modern animation has become, with specialized teams for effects, character animation, and production design all receiving dedicated recognition.
The 53rd Annie Awards ceremony takes place February 21 at UCLA’s Royce Hall, presented by ASIFA-Hollywood, the largest chapter of the international animation organization dedicated to promoting animation art and celebrating its creators.
Best Character Animation – Video Game nominees include anticipated titles like Death Stranding 2: On the Beach, Ghost of Yōtei, and South of Midnight.
The Best Character Animation – Live Action category recognizes visual effects work in Captain America: Brave New World, How To Train Your Dragon (the live-action adaptation), and Superman.
Prehistoric Planet: Ice Age from BBC Studios earned multiple nominations, demonstrating how natural history documentaries increasingly rely on cutting-edge animation technology.
Voice Acting Recognition Spans Genres and Platforms
Outstanding voice performances earned nominations across both television and feature categories.
Dan Mintz secured recognition for voicing Tina Belcher in Bob’s Burgers, while Erika Henningsen earned a nod for Charlie Morningstar in Amazon’s Hazbin Hotel.
Feature film voice acting nominees include Arden Cho (KPop Demon Hunters), Remy Edgerly (Elio), and Maitreyi Ramakrishnan (The Twits).
These nominations reflect animation’s ability to attract diverse talent capable of bringing characters to life through vocal performance alone.
What These Nominations Mean for Animation’s Future
The 2026 Annie Awards nominations reveal several industry trends.
Streaming platforms like Netflix continue investing heavily in animated content, with multiple nominations across original films and series.
Traditional studios remain competitive, but independent international productions are gaining recognition that was once reserved for major studio releases.
The expansion of categories to include video games and live-action integration acknowledges animation’s growing influence across entertainment media.
Technical categories highlight how sophisticated modern animation has become, with specialized teams for effects, character animation, and production design all receiving dedicated recognition.
The 53rd Annie Awards ceremony takes place February 21 at UCLA’s Royce Hall, presented by ASIFA-Hollywood, the largest chapter of the international animation organization dedicated to promoting animation art and celebrating its creators.
The Annies continue acknowledging animation beyond traditional film and TV.
Best Character Animation – Video Game nominees include anticipated titles like Death Stranding 2: On the Beach, Ghost of Yōtei, and South of Midnight.
The Best Character Animation – Live Action category recognizes visual effects work in Captain America: Brave New World, How To Train Your Dragon (the live-action adaptation), and Superman.
Prehistoric Planet: Ice Age from BBC Studios earned multiple nominations, demonstrating how natural history documentaries increasingly rely on cutting-edge animation technology.
Voice Acting Recognition Spans Genres and Platforms
Outstanding voice performances earned nominations across both television and feature categories.
Dan Mintz secured recognition for voicing Tina Belcher in Bob’s Burgers, while Erika Henningsen earned a nod for Charlie Morningstar in Amazon’s Hazbin Hotel.
Feature film voice acting nominees include Arden Cho (KPop Demon Hunters), Remy Edgerly (Elio), and Maitreyi Ramakrishnan (The Twits).
These nominations reflect animation’s ability to attract diverse talent capable of bringing characters to life through vocal performance alone.
What These Nominations Mean for Animation’s Future
The 2026 Annie Awards nominations reveal several industry trends.
Streaming platforms like Netflix continue investing heavily in animated content, with multiple nominations across original films and series.
Traditional studios remain competitive, but independent international productions are gaining recognition that was once reserved for major studio releases.
The expansion of categories to include video games and live-action integration acknowledges animation’s growing influence across entertainment media.
Technical categories highlight how sophisticated modern animation has become, with specialized teams for effects, character animation, and production design all receiving dedicated recognition.
The 53rd Annie Awards ceremony takes place February 21 at UCLA’s Royce Hall, presented by ASIFA-Hollywood, the largest chapter of the international animation organization dedicated to promoting animation art and celebrating its creators.
The Annies continue acknowledging animation beyond traditional film and TV.
Best Character Animation – Video Game nominees include anticipated titles like Death Stranding 2: On the Beach, Ghost of Yōtei, and South of Midnight.
The Best Character Animation – Live Action category recognizes visual effects work in Captain America: Brave New World, How To Train Your Dragon (the live-action adaptation), and Superman.
Prehistoric Planet: Ice Age from BBC Studios earned multiple nominations, demonstrating how natural history documentaries increasingly rely on cutting-edge animation technology.
Voice Acting Recognition Spans Genres and Platforms
Outstanding voice performances earned nominations across both television and feature categories.
Dan Mintz secured recognition for voicing Tina Belcher in Bob’s Burgers, while Erika Henningsen earned a nod for Charlie Morningstar in Amazon’s Hazbin Hotel.
Feature film voice acting nominees include Arden Cho (KPop Demon Hunters), Remy Edgerly (Elio), and Maitreyi Ramakrishnan (The Twits).
These nominations reflect animation’s ability to attract diverse talent capable of bringing characters to life through vocal performance alone.
What These Nominations Mean for Animation’s Future
The 2026 Annie Awards nominations reveal several industry trends.
Streaming platforms like Netflix continue investing heavily in animated content, with multiple nominations across original films and series.
Traditional studios remain competitive, but independent international productions are gaining recognition that was once reserved for major studio releases.
The expansion of categories to include video games and live-action integration acknowledges animation’s growing influence across entertainment media.
Technical categories highlight how sophisticated modern animation has become, with specialized teams for effects, character animation, and production design all receiving dedicated recognition.
The 53rd Annie Awards ceremony takes place February 21 at UCLA’s Royce Hall, presented by ASIFA-Hollywood, the largest chapter of the international animation organization dedicated to promoting animation art and celebrating its creators.
Video Games and Live-Action Integration Expand Recognition
The Annies continue acknowledging animation beyond traditional film and TV.
Best Character Animation – Video Game nominees include anticipated titles like Death Stranding 2: On the Beach, Ghost of Yōtei, and South of Midnight.
The Best Character Animation – Live Action category recognizes visual effects work in Captain America: Brave New World, How To Train Your Dragon (the live-action adaptation), and Superman.
Prehistoric Planet: Ice Age from BBC Studios earned multiple nominations, demonstrating how natural history documentaries increasingly rely on cutting-edge animation technology.
Voice Acting Recognition Spans Genres and Platforms
Outstanding voice performances earned nominations across both television and feature categories.
Dan Mintz secured recognition for voicing Tina Belcher in Bob’s Burgers, while Erika Henningsen earned a nod for Charlie Morningstar in Amazon’s Hazbin Hotel.
Feature film voice acting nominees include Arden Cho (KPop Demon Hunters), Remy Edgerly (Elio), and Maitreyi Ramakrishnan (The Twits).
These nominations reflect animation’s ability to attract diverse talent capable of bringing characters to life through vocal performance alone.
What These Nominations Mean for Animation’s Future
The 2026 Annie Awards nominations reveal several industry trends.
Streaming platforms like Netflix continue investing heavily in animated content, with multiple nominations across original films and series.
Traditional studios remain competitive, but independent international productions are gaining recognition that was once reserved for major studio releases.
The expansion of categories to include video games and live-action integration acknowledges animation’s growing influence across entertainment media.
Technical categories highlight how sophisticated modern animation has become, with specialized teams for effects, character animation, and production design all receiving dedicated recognition.
The 53rd Annie Awards ceremony takes place February 21 at UCLA’s Royce Hall, presented by ASIFA-Hollywood, the largest chapter of the international animation organization dedicated to promoting animation art and celebrating its creators.
Video Games and Live-Action Integration Expand Recognition
The Annies continue acknowledging animation beyond traditional film and TV.
Best Character Animation – Video Game nominees include anticipated titles like Death Stranding 2: On the Beach, Ghost of Yōtei, and South of Midnight.
The Best Character Animation – Live Action category recognizes visual effects work in Captain America: Brave New World, How To Train Your Dragon (the live-action adaptation), and Superman.
Prehistoric Planet: Ice Age from BBC Studios earned multiple nominations, demonstrating how natural history documentaries increasingly rely on cutting-edge animation technology.
Voice Acting Recognition Spans Genres and Platforms
Outstanding voice performances earned nominations across both television and feature categories.
Dan Mintz secured recognition for voicing Tina Belcher in Bob’s Burgers, while Erika Henningsen earned a nod for Charlie Morningstar in Amazon’s Hazbin Hotel.
Feature film voice acting nominees include Arden Cho (KPop Demon Hunters), Remy Edgerly (Elio), and Maitreyi Ramakrishnan (The Twits).
These nominations reflect animation’s ability to attract diverse talent capable of bringing characters to life through vocal performance alone.
What These Nominations Mean for Animation’s Future
The 2026 Annie Awards nominations reveal several industry trends.
Streaming platforms like Netflix continue investing heavily in animated content, with multiple nominations across original films and series.
Traditional studios remain competitive, but independent international productions are gaining recognition that was once reserved for major studio releases.
The expansion of categories to include video games and live-action integration acknowledges animation’s growing influence across entertainment media.
Technical categories highlight how sophisticated modern animation has become, with specialized teams for effects, character animation, and production design all receiving dedicated recognition.
The 53rd Annie Awards ceremony takes place February 21 at UCLA’s Royce Hall, presented by ASIFA-Hollywood, the largest chapter of the international animation organization dedicated to promoting animation art and celebrating its creators.
French animation schools particularly dominate this category, continuing their reputation for producing world-class animation talent.
Video Games and Live-Action Integration Expand Recognition
The Annies continue acknowledging animation beyond traditional film and TV.
Best Character Animation – Video Game nominees include anticipated titles like Death Stranding 2: On the Beach, Ghost of Yōtei, and South of Midnight.
The Best Character Animation – Live Action category recognizes visual effects work in Captain America: Brave New World, How To Train Your Dragon (the live-action adaptation), and Superman.
Prehistoric Planet: Ice Age from BBC Studios earned multiple nominations, demonstrating how natural history documentaries increasingly rely on cutting-edge animation technology.
Voice Acting Recognition Spans Genres and Platforms
Outstanding voice performances earned nominations across both television and feature categories.
Dan Mintz secured recognition for voicing Tina Belcher in Bob’s Burgers, while Erika Henningsen earned a nod for Charlie Morningstar in Amazon’s Hazbin Hotel.
Feature film voice acting nominees include Arden Cho (KPop Demon Hunters), Remy Edgerly (Elio), and Maitreyi Ramakrishnan (The Twits).
These nominations reflect animation’s ability to attract diverse talent capable of bringing characters to life through vocal performance alone.
What These Nominations Mean for Animation’s Future
The 2026 Annie Awards nominations reveal several industry trends.
Streaming platforms like Netflix continue investing heavily in animated content, with multiple nominations across original films and series.
Traditional studios remain competitive, but independent international productions are gaining recognition that was once reserved for major studio releases.
The expansion of categories to include video games and live-action integration acknowledges animation’s growing influence across entertainment media.
Technical categories highlight how sophisticated modern animation has become, with specialized teams for effects, character animation, and production design all receiving dedicated recognition.
The 53rd Annie Awards ceremony takes place February 21 at UCLA’s Royce Hall, presented by ASIFA-Hollywood, the largest chapter of the international animation organization dedicated to promoting animation art and celebrating its creators.
French animation schools particularly dominate this category, continuing their reputation for producing world-class animation talent.
Video Games and Live-Action Integration Expand Recognition
The Annies continue acknowledging animation beyond traditional film and TV.
Best Character Animation – Video Game nominees include anticipated titles like Death Stranding 2: On the Beach, Ghost of Yōtei, and South of Midnight.
The Best Character Animation – Live Action category recognizes visual effects work in Captain America: Brave New World, How To Train Your Dragon (the live-action adaptation), and Superman.
Prehistoric Planet: Ice Age from BBC Studios earned multiple nominations, demonstrating how natural history documentaries increasingly rely on cutting-edge animation technology.
Voice Acting Recognition Spans Genres and Platforms
Outstanding voice performances earned nominations across both television and feature categories.
Dan Mintz secured recognition for voicing Tina Belcher in Bob’s Burgers, while Erika Henningsen earned a nod for Charlie Morningstar in Amazon’s Hazbin Hotel.
Feature film voice acting nominees include Arden Cho (KPop Demon Hunters), Remy Edgerly (Elio), and Maitreyi Ramakrishnan (The Twits).
These nominations reflect animation’s ability to attract diverse talent capable of bringing characters to life through vocal performance alone.
What These Nominations Mean for Animation’s Future
The 2026 Annie Awards nominations reveal several industry trends.
Streaming platforms like Netflix continue investing heavily in animated content, with multiple nominations across original films and series.
Traditional studios remain competitive, but independent international productions are gaining recognition that was once reserved for major studio releases.
The expansion of categories to include video games and live-action integration acknowledges animation’s growing influence across entertainment media.
Technical categories highlight how sophisticated modern animation has become, with specialized teams for effects, character animation, and production design all receiving dedicated recognition.
The 53rd Annie Awards ceremony takes place February 21 at UCLA’s Royce Hall, presented by ASIFA-Hollywood, the largest chapter of the international animation organization dedicated to promoting animation art and celebrating its creators.
The Best Student Film category features work from prestigious animation schools across Europe:
- “A Sparrow’s Song” from Filmakademie Baden-Württemberg
- “Acrobats” from Gobelins
- “Jour de vent” from École des Nouvelles Images
- “The Undying Pain of Existence” from Filmakademie Baden-Württemberg
- “TRASH” from ESMA
French animation schools particularly dominate this category, continuing their reputation for producing world-class animation talent.
Video Games and Live-Action Integration Expand Recognition
The Annies continue acknowledging animation beyond traditional film and TV.
Best Character Animation – Video Game nominees include anticipated titles like Death Stranding 2: On the Beach, Ghost of Yōtei, and South of Midnight.
The Best Character Animation – Live Action category recognizes visual effects work in Captain America: Brave New World, How To Train Your Dragon (the live-action adaptation), and Superman.
Prehistoric Planet: Ice Age from BBC Studios earned multiple nominations, demonstrating how natural history documentaries increasingly rely on cutting-edge animation technology.
Voice Acting Recognition Spans Genres and Platforms
Outstanding voice performances earned nominations across both television and feature categories.
Dan Mintz secured recognition for voicing Tina Belcher in Bob’s Burgers, while Erika Henningsen earned a nod for Charlie Morningstar in Amazon’s Hazbin Hotel.
Feature film voice acting nominees include Arden Cho (KPop Demon Hunters), Remy Edgerly (Elio), and Maitreyi Ramakrishnan (The Twits).
These nominations reflect animation’s ability to attract diverse talent capable of bringing characters to life through vocal performance alone.
What These Nominations Mean for Animation’s Future
The 2026 Annie Awards nominations reveal several industry trends.
Streaming platforms like Netflix continue investing heavily in animated content, with multiple nominations across original films and series.
Traditional studios remain competitive, but independent international productions are gaining recognition that was once reserved for major studio releases.
The expansion of categories to include video games and live-action integration acknowledges animation’s growing influence across entertainment media.
Technical categories highlight how sophisticated modern animation has become, with specialized teams for effects, character animation, and production design all receiving dedicated recognition.
The 53rd Annie Awards ceremony takes place February 21 at UCLA’s Royce Hall, presented by ASIFA-Hollywood, the largest chapter of the international animation organization dedicated to promoting animation art and celebrating its creators.
The Best Student Film category features work from prestigious animation schools across Europe:
- “A Sparrow’s Song” from Filmakademie Baden-Württemberg
- “Acrobats” from Gobelins
- “Jour de vent” from École des Nouvelles Images
- “The Undying Pain of Existence” from Filmakademie Baden-Württemberg
- “TRASH” from ESMA
French animation schools particularly dominate this category, continuing their reputation for producing world-class animation talent.
Video Games and Live-Action Integration Expand Recognition
The Annies continue acknowledging animation beyond traditional film and TV.
Best Character Animation – Video Game nominees include anticipated titles like Death Stranding 2: On the Beach, Ghost of Yōtei, and South of Midnight.
The Best Character Animation – Live Action category recognizes visual effects work in Captain America: Brave New World, How To Train Your Dragon (the live-action adaptation), and Superman.
Prehistoric Planet: Ice Age from BBC Studios earned multiple nominations, demonstrating how natural history documentaries increasingly rely on cutting-edge animation technology.
Voice Acting Recognition Spans Genres and Platforms
Outstanding voice performances earned nominations across both television and feature categories.
Dan Mintz secured recognition for voicing Tina Belcher in Bob’s Burgers, while Erika Henningsen earned a nod for Charlie Morningstar in Amazon’s Hazbin Hotel.
Feature film voice acting nominees include Arden Cho (KPop Demon Hunters), Remy Edgerly (Elio), and Maitreyi Ramakrishnan (The Twits).
These nominations reflect animation’s ability to attract diverse talent capable of bringing characters to life through vocal performance alone.
What These Nominations Mean for Animation’s Future
The 2026 Annie Awards nominations reveal several industry trends.
Streaming platforms like Netflix continue investing heavily in animated content, with multiple nominations across original films and series.
Traditional studios remain competitive, but independent international productions are gaining recognition that was once reserved for major studio releases.
The expansion of categories to include video games and live-action integration acknowledges animation’s growing influence across entertainment media.
Technical categories highlight how sophisticated modern animation has become, with specialized teams for effects, character animation, and production design all receiving dedicated recognition.
The 53rd Annie Awards ceremony takes place February 21 at UCLA’s Royce Hall, presented by ASIFA-Hollywood, the largest chapter of the international animation organization dedicated to promoting animation art and celebrating its creators.
Student Films Show Next Generation of Talent
The Best Student Film category features work from prestigious animation schools across Europe:
- “A Sparrow’s Song” from Filmakademie Baden-Württemberg
- “Acrobats” from Gobelins
- “Jour de vent” from École des Nouvelles Images
- “The Undying Pain of Existence” from Filmakademie Baden-Württemberg
- “TRASH” from ESMA
French animation schools particularly dominate this category, continuing their reputation for producing world-class animation talent.
Video Games and Live-Action Integration Expand Recognition
The Annies continue acknowledging animation beyond traditional film and TV.
Best Character Animation – Video Game nominees include anticipated titles like Death Stranding 2: On the Beach, Ghost of Yōtei, and South of Midnight.
The Best Character Animation – Live Action category recognizes visual effects work in Captain America: Brave New World, How To Train Your Dragon (the live-action adaptation), and Superman.
Prehistoric Planet: Ice Age from BBC Studios earned multiple nominations, demonstrating how natural history documentaries increasingly rely on cutting-edge animation technology.
Voice Acting Recognition Spans Genres and Platforms
Outstanding voice performances earned nominations across both television and feature categories.
Dan Mintz secured recognition for voicing Tina Belcher in Bob’s Burgers, while Erika Henningsen earned a nod for Charlie Morningstar in Amazon’s Hazbin Hotel.
Feature film voice acting nominees include Arden Cho (KPop Demon Hunters), Remy Edgerly (Elio), and Maitreyi Ramakrishnan (The Twits).
These nominations reflect animation’s ability to attract diverse talent capable of bringing characters to life through vocal performance alone.
What These Nominations Mean for Animation’s Future
The 2026 Annie Awards nominations reveal several industry trends.
Streaming platforms like Netflix continue investing heavily in animated content, with multiple nominations across original films and series.
Traditional studios remain competitive, but independent international productions are gaining recognition that was once reserved for major studio releases.
The expansion of categories to include video games and live-action integration acknowledges animation’s growing influence across entertainment media.
Technical categories highlight how sophisticated modern animation has become, with specialized teams for effects, character animation, and production design all receiving dedicated recognition.
The 53rd Annie Awards ceremony takes place February 21 at UCLA’s Royce Hall, presented by ASIFA-Hollywood, the largest chapter of the international animation organization dedicated to promoting animation art and celebrating its creators.
Student Films Show Next Generation of Talent
The Best Student Film category features work from prestigious animation schools across Europe:
- “A Sparrow’s Song” from Filmakademie Baden-Württemberg
- “Acrobats” from Gobelins
- “Jour de vent” from École des Nouvelles Images
- “The Undying Pain of Existence” from Filmakademie Baden-Württemberg
- “TRASH” from ESMA
French animation schools particularly dominate this category, continuing their reputation for producing world-class animation talent.
Video Games and Live-Action Integration Expand Recognition
The Annies continue acknowledging animation beyond traditional film and TV.
Best Character Animation – Video Game nominees include anticipated titles like Death Stranding 2: On the Beach, Ghost of Yōtei, and South of Midnight.
The Best Character Animation – Live Action category recognizes visual effects work in Captain America: Brave New World, How To Train Your Dragon (the live-action adaptation), and Superman.
Prehistoric Planet: Ice Age from BBC Studios earned multiple nominations, demonstrating how natural history documentaries increasingly rely on cutting-edge animation technology.
Voice Acting Recognition Spans Genres and Platforms
Outstanding voice performances earned nominations across both television and feature categories.
Dan Mintz secured recognition for voicing Tina Belcher in Bob’s Burgers, while Erika Henningsen earned a nod for Charlie Morningstar in Amazon’s Hazbin Hotel.
Feature film voice acting nominees include Arden Cho (KPop Demon Hunters), Remy Edgerly (Elio), and Maitreyi Ramakrishnan (The Twits).
These nominations reflect animation’s ability to attract diverse talent capable of bringing characters to life through vocal performance alone.
What These Nominations Mean for Animation’s Future
The 2026 Annie Awards nominations reveal several industry trends.
Streaming platforms like Netflix continue investing heavily in animated content, with multiple nominations across original films and series.
Traditional studios remain competitive, but independent international productions are gaining recognition that was once reserved for major studio releases.
The expansion of categories to include video games and live-action integration acknowledges animation’s growing influence across entertainment media.
Technical categories highlight how sophisticated modern animation has become, with specialized teams for effects, character animation, and production design all receiving dedicated recognition.
The 53rd Annie Awards ceremony takes place February 21 at UCLA’s Royce Hall, presented by ASIFA-Hollywood, the largest chapter of the international animation organization dedicated to promoting animation art and celebrating its creators.
LightBox has grown into one of animation’s premier networking and educational events, fostering mentorship and career development.
Student Films Show Next Generation of Talent
The Best Student Film category features work from prestigious animation schools across Europe:
- “A Sparrow’s Song” from Filmakademie Baden-Württemberg
- “Acrobats” from Gobelins
- “Jour de vent” from École des Nouvelles Images
- “The Undying Pain of Existence” from Filmakademie Baden-Württemberg
- “TRASH” from ESMA
French animation schools particularly dominate this category, continuing their reputation for producing world-class animation talent.
Video Games and Live-Action Integration Expand Recognition
The Annies continue acknowledging animation beyond traditional film and TV.
Best Character Animation – Video Game nominees include anticipated titles like Death Stranding 2: On the Beach, Ghost of Yōtei, and South of Midnight.
The Best Character Animation – Live Action category recognizes visual effects work in Captain America: Brave New World, How To Train Your Dragon (the live-action adaptation), and Superman.
Prehistoric Planet: Ice Age from BBC Studios earned multiple nominations, demonstrating how natural history documentaries increasingly rely on cutting-edge animation technology.
Voice Acting Recognition Spans Genres and Platforms
Outstanding voice performances earned nominations across both television and feature categories.
Dan Mintz secured recognition for voicing Tina Belcher in Bob’s Burgers, while Erika Henningsen earned a nod for Charlie Morningstar in Amazon’s Hazbin Hotel.
Feature film voice acting nominees include Arden Cho (KPop Demon Hunters), Remy Edgerly (Elio), and Maitreyi Ramakrishnan (The Twits).
These nominations reflect animation’s ability to attract diverse talent capable of bringing characters to life through vocal performance alone.
What These Nominations Mean for Animation’s Future
The 2026 Annie Awards nominations reveal several industry trends.
Streaming platforms like Netflix continue investing heavily in animated content, with multiple nominations across original films and series.
Traditional studios remain competitive, but independent international productions are gaining recognition that was once reserved for major studio releases.
The expansion of categories to include video games and live-action integration acknowledges animation’s growing influence across entertainment media.
Technical categories highlight how sophisticated modern animation has become, with specialized teams for effects, character animation, and production design all receiving dedicated recognition.
The 53rd Annie Awards ceremony takes place February 21 at UCLA’s Royce Hall, presented by ASIFA-Hollywood, the largest chapter of the international animation organization dedicated to promoting animation art and celebrating its creators.
LightBox has grown into one of animation’s premier networking and educational events, fostering mentorship and career development.
Student Films Show Next Generation of Talent
The Best Student Film category features work from prestigious animation schools across Europe:
- “A Sparrow’s Song” from Filmakademie Baden-Württemberg
- “Acrobats” from Gobelins
- “Jour de vent” from École des Nouvelles Images
- “The Undying Pain of Existence” from Filmakademie Baden-Württemberg
- “TRASH” from ESMA
French animation schools particularly dominate this category, continuing their reputation for producing world-class animation talent.
Video Games and Live-Action Integration Expand Recognition
The Annies continue acknowledging animation beyond traditional film and TV.
Best Character Animation – Video Game nominees include anticipated titles like Death Stranding 2: On the Beach, Ghost of Yōtei, and South of Midnight.
The Best Character Animation – Live Action category recognizes visual effects work in Captain America: Brave New World, How To Train Your Dragon (the live-action adaptation), and Superman.
Prehistoric Planet: Ice Age from BBC Studios earned multiple nominations, demonstrating how natural history documentaries increasingly rely on cutting-edge animation technology.
Voice Acting Recognition Spans Genres and Platforms
Outstanding voice performances earned nominations across both television and feature categories.
Dan Mintz secured recognition for voicing Tina Belcher in Bob’s Burgers, while Erika Henningsen earned a nod for Charlie Morningstar in Amazon’s Hazbin Hotel.
Feature film voice acting nominees include Arden Cho (KPop Demon Hunters), Remy Edgerly (Elio), and Maitreyi Ramakrishnan (The Twits).
These nominations reflect animation’s ability to attract diverse talent capable of bringing characters to life through vocal performance alone.
What These Nominations Mean for Animation’s Future
The 2026 Annie Awards nominations reveal several industry trends.
Streaming platforms like Netflix continue investing heavily in animated content, with multiple nominations across original films and series.
Traditional studios remain competitive, but independent international productions are gaining recognition that was once reserved for major studio releases.
The expansion of categories to include video games and live-action integration acknowledges animation’s growing influence across entertainment media.
Technical categories highlight how sophisticated modern animation has become, with specialized teams for effects, character animation, and production design all receiving dedicated recognition.
The 53rd Annie Awards ceremony takes place February 21 at UCLA’s Royce Hall, presented by ASIFA-Hollywood, the largest chapter of the international animation organization dedicated to promoting animation art and celebrating its creators.
The Special Achievement Award goes to LightBox Expo, the annual event connecting animation filmmakers with students, fans, and industry professionals.
LightBox has grown into one of animation’s premier networking and educational events, fostering mentorship and career development.
Student Films Show Next Generation of Talent
The Best Student Film category features work from prestigious animation schools across Europe:
- “A Sparrow’s Song” from Filmakademie Baden-Württemberg
- “Acrobats” from Gobelins
- “Jour de vent” from École des Nouvelles Images
- “The Undying Pain of Existence” from Filmakademie Baden-Württemberg
- “TRASH” from ESMA
French animation schools particularly dominate this category, continuing their reputation for producing world-class animation talent.
Video Games and Live-Action Integration Expand Recognition
The Annies continue acknowledging animation beyond traditional film and TV.
Best Character Animation – Video Game nominees include anticipated titles like Death Stranding 2: On the Beach, Ghost of Yōtei, and South of Midnight.
The Best Character Animation – Live Action category recognizes visual effects work in Captain America: Brave New World, How To Train Your Dragon (the live-action adaptation), and Superman.
Prehistoric Planet: Ice Age from BBC Studios earned multiple nominations, demonstrating how natural history documentaries increasingly rely on cutting-edge animation technology.
Voice Acting Recognition Spans Genres and Platforms
Outstanding voice performances earned nominations across both television and feature categories.
Dan Mintz secured recognition for voicing Tina Belcher in Bob’s Burgers, while Erika Henningsen earned a nod for Charlie Morningstar in Amazon’s Hazbin Hotel.
Feature film voice acting nominees include Arden Cho (KPop Demon Hunters), Remy Edgerly (Elio), and Maitreyi Ramakrishnan (The Twits).
These nominations reflect animation’s ability to attract diverse talent capable of bringing characters to life through vocal performance alone.
What These Nominations Mean for Animation’s Future
The 2026 Annie Awards nominations reveal several industry trends.
Streaming platforms like Netflix continue investing heavily in animated content, with multiple nominations across original films and series.
Traditional studios remain competitive, but independent international productions are gaining recognition that was once reserved for major studio releases.
The expansion of categories to include video games and live-action integration acknowledges animation’s growing influence across entertainment media.
Technical categories highlight how sophisticated modern animation has become, with specialized teams for effects, character animation, and production design all receiving dedicated recognition.
The 53rd Annie Awards ceremony takes place February 21 at UCLA’s Royce Hall, presented by ASIFA-Hollywood, the largest chapter of the international animation organization dedicated to promoting animation art and celebrating its creators.
The Special Achievement Award goes to LightBox Expo, the annual event connecting animation filmmakers with students, fans, and industry professionals.
LightBox has grown into one of animation’s premier networking and educational events, fostering mentorship and career development.
Student Films Show Next Generation of Talent
The Best Student Film category features work from prestigious animation schools across Europe:
- “A Sparrow’s Song” from Filmakademie Baden-Württemberg
- “Acrobats” from Gobelins
- “Jour de vent” from École des Nouvelles Images
- “The Undying Pain of Existence” from Filmakademie Baden-Württemberg
- “TRASH” from ESMA
French animation schools particularly dominate this category, continuing their reputation for producing world-class animation talent.
Video Games and Live-Action Integration Expand Recognition
The Annies continue acknowledging animation beyond traditional film and TV.
Best Character Animation – Video Game nominees include anticipated titles like Death Stranding 2: On the Beach, Ghost of Yōtei, and South of Midnight.
The Best Character Animation – Live Action category recognizes visual effects work in Captain America: Brave New World, How To Train Your Dragon (the live-action adaptation), and Superman.
Prehistoric Planet: Ice Age from BBC Studios earned multiple nominations, demonstrating how natural history documentaries increasingly rely on cutting-edge animation technology.
Voice Acting Recognition Spans Genres and Platforms
Outstanding voice performances earned nominations across both television and feature categories.
Dan Mintz secured recognition for voicing Tina Belcher in Bob’s Burgers, while Erika Henningsen earned a nod for Charlie Morningstar in Amazon’s Hazbin Hotel.
Feature film voice acting nominees include Arden Cho (KPop Demon Hunters), Remy Edgerly (Elio), and Maitreyi Ramakrishnan (The Twits).
These nominations reflect animation’s ability to attract diverse talent capable of bringing characters to life through vocal performance alone.
What These Nominations Mean for Animation’s Future
The 2026 Annie Awards nominations reveal several industry trends.
Streaming platforms like Netflix continue investing heavily in animated content, with multiple nominations across original films and series.
Traditional studios remain competitive, but independent international productions are gaining recognition that was once reserved for major studio releases.
The expansion of categories to include video games and live-action integration acknowledges animation’s growing influence across entertainment media.
Technical categories highlight how sophisticated modern animation has become, with specialized teams for effects, character animation, and production design all receiving dedicated recognition.
The 53rd Annie Awards ceremony takes place February 21 at UCLA’s Royce Hall, presented by ASIFA-Hollywood, the largest chapter of the international animation organization dedicated to promoting animation art and celebrating its creators.
The company’s Cintiq graphics tablets and related products have become indispensable tools in modern animation production, fundamentally changing how artists create.
The Special Achievement Award goes to LightBox Expo, the annual event connecting animation filmmakers with students, fans, and industry professionals.
LightBox has grown into one of animation’s premier networking and educational events, fostering mentorship and career development.
Student Films Show Next Generation of Talent
The Best Student Film category features work from prestigious animation schools across Europe:
- “A Sparrow’s Song” from Filmakademie Baden-Württemberg
- “Acrobats” from Gobelins
- “Jour de vent” from École des Nouvelles Images
- “The Undying Pain of Existence” from Filmakademie Baden-Württemberg
- “TRASH” from ESMA
French animation schools particularly dominate this category, continuing their reputation for producing world-class animation talent.
Video Games and Live-Action Integration Expand Recognition
The Annies continue acknowledging animation beyond traditional film and TV.
Best Character Animation – Video Game nominees include anticipated titles like Death Stranding 2: On the Beach, Ghost of Yōtei, and South of Midnight.
The Best Character Animation – Live Action category recognizes visual effects work in Captain America: Brave New World, How To Train Your Dragon (the live-action adaptation), and Superman.
Prehistoric Planet: Ice Age from BBC Studios earned multiple nominations, demonstrating how natural history documentaries increasingly rely on cutting-edge animation technology.
Voice Acting Recognition Spans Genres and Platforms
Outstanding voice performances earned nominations across both television and feature categories.
Dan Mintz secured recognition for voicing Tina Belcher in Bob’s Burgers, while Erika Henningsen earned a nod for Charlie Morningstar in Amazon’s Hazbin Hotel.
Feature film voice acting nominees include Arden Cho (KPop Demon Hunters), Remy Edgerly (Elio), and Maitreyi Ramakrishnan (The Twits).
These nominations reflect animation’s ability to attract diverse talent capable of bringing characters to life through vocal performance alone.
What These Nominations Mean for Animation’s Future
The 2026 Annie Awards nominations reveal several industry trends.
Streaming platforms like Netflix continue investing heavily in animated content, with multiple nominations across original films and series.
Traditional studios remain competitive, but independent international productions are gaining recognition that was once reserved for major studio releases.
The expansion of categories to include video games and live-action integration acknowledges animation’s growing influence across entertainment media.
Technical categories highlight how sophisticated modern animation has become, with specialized teams for effects, character animation, and production design all receiving dedicated recognition.
The 53rd Annie Awards ceremony takes place February 21 at UCLA’s Royce Hall, presented by ASIFA-Hollywood, the largest chapter of the international animation organization dedicated to promoting animation art and celebrating its creators.
The company’s Cintiq graphics tablets and related products have become indispensable tools in modern animation production, fundamentally changing how artists create.
The Special Achievement Award goes to LightBox Expo, the annual event connecting animation filmmakers with students, fans, and industry professionals.
LightBox has grown into one of animation’s premier networking and educational events, fostering mentorship and career development.
Student Films Show Next Generation of Talent
The Best Student Film category features work from prestigious animation schools across Europe:
- “A Sparrow’s Song” from Filmakademie Baden-Württemberg
- “Acrobats” from Gobelins
- “Jour de vent” from École des Nouvelles Images
- “The Undying Pain of Existence” from Filmakademie Baden-Württemberg
- “TRASH” from ESMA
French animation schools particularly dominate this category, continuing their reputation for producing world-class animation talent.
Video Games and Live-Action Integration Expand Recognition
The Annies continue acknowledging animation beyond traditional film and TV.
Best Character Animation – Video Game nominees include anticipated titles like Death Stranding 2: On the Beach, Ghost of Yōtei, and South of Midnight.
The Best Character Animation – Live Action category recognizes visual effects work in Captain America: Brave New World, How To Train Your Dragon (the live-action adaptation), and Superman.
Prehistoric Planet: Ice Age from BBC Studios earned multiple nominations, demonstrating how natural history documentaries increasingly rely on cutting-edge animation technology.
Voice Acting Recognition Spans Genres and Platforms
Outstanding voice performances earned nominations across both television and feature categories.
Dan Mintz secured recognition for voicing Tina Belcher in Bob’s Burgers, while Erika Henningsen earned a nod for Charlie Morningstar in Amazon’s Hazbin Hotel.
Feature film voice acting nominees include Arden Cho (KPop Demon Hunters), Remy Edgerly (Elio), and Maitreyi Ramakrishnan (The Twits).
These nominations reflect animation’s ability to attract diverse talent capable of bringing characters to life through vocal performance alone.
What These Nominations Mean for Animation’s Future
The 2026 Annie Awards nominations reveal several industry trends.
Streaming platforms like Netflix continue investing heavily in animated content, with multiple nominations across original films and series.
Traditional studios remain competitive, but independent international productions are gaining recognition that was once reserved for major studio releases.
The expansion of categories to include video games and live-action integration acknowledges animation’s growing influence across entertainment media.
Technical categories highlight how sophisticated modern animation has become, with specialized teams for effects, character animation, and production design all receiving dedicated recognition.
The 53rd Annie Awards ceremony takes place February 21 at UCLA’s Royce Hall, presented by ASIFA-Hollywood, the largest chapter of the international animation organization dedicated to promoting animation art and celebrating its creators.
Wacom will receive the Ub Iwerks Award for technical achievement.
The company’s Cintiq graphics tablets and related products have become indispensable tools in modern animation production, fundamentally changing how artists create.
The Special Achievement Award goes to LightBox Expo, the annual event connecting animation filmmakers with students, fans, and industry professionals.
LightBox has grown into one of animation’s premier networking and educational events, fostering mentorship and career development.
Student Films Show Next Generation of Talent
The Best Student Film category features work from prestigious animation schools across Europe:
- “A Sparrow’s Song” from Filmakademie Baden-Württemberg
- “Acrobats” from Gobelins
- “Jour de vent” from École des Nouvelles Images
- “The Undying Pain of Existence” from Filmakademie Baden-Württemberg
- “TRASH” from ESMA
French animation schools particularly dominate this category, continuing their reputation for producing world-class animation talent.
Video Games and Live-Action Integration Expand Recognition
The Annies continue acknowledging animation beyond traditional film and TV.
Best Character Animation – Video Game nominees include anticipated titles like Death Stranding 2: On the Beach, Ghost of Yōtei, and South of Midnight.
The Best Character Animation – Live Action category recognizes visual effects work in Captain America: Brave New World, How To Train Your Dragon (the live-action adaptation), and Superman.
Prehistoric Planet: Ice Age from BBC Studios earned multiple nominations, demonstrating how natural history documentaries increasingly rely on cutting-edge animation technology.
Voice Acting Recognition Spans Genres and Platforms
Outstanding voice performances earned nominations across both television and feature categories.
Dan Mintz secured recognition for voicing Tina Belcher in Bob’s Burgers, while Erika Henningsen earned a nod for Charlie Morningstar in Amazon’s Hazbin Hotel.
Feature film voice acting nominees include Arden Cho (KPop Demon Hunters), Remy Edgerly (Elio), and Maitreyi Ramakrishnan (The Twits).
These nominations reflect animation’s ability to attract diverse talent capable of bringing characters to life through vocal performance alone.
What These Nominations Mean for Animation’s Future
The 2026 Annie Awards nominations reveal several industry trends.
Streaming platforms like Netflix continue investing heavily in animated content, with multiple nominations across original films and series.
Traditional studios remain competitive, but independent international productions are gaining recognition that was once reserved for major studio releases.
The expansion of categories to include video games and live-action integration acknowledges animation’s growing influence across entertainment media.
Technical categories highlight how sophisticated modern animation has become, with specialized teams for effects, character animation, and production design all receiving dedicated recognition.
The 53rd Annie Awards ceremony takes place February 21 at UCLA’s Royce Hall, presented by ASIFA-Hollywood, the largest chapter of the international animation organization dedicated to promoting animation art and celebrating its creators.
Wacom will receive the Ub Iwerks Award for technical achievement.
The company’s Cintiq graphics tablets and related products have become indispensable tools in modern animation production, fundamentally changing how artists create.
The Special Achievement Award goes to LightBox Expo, the annual event connecting animation filmmakers with students, fans, and industry professionals.
LightBox has grown into one of animation’s premier networking and educational events, fostering mentorship and career development.
Student Films Show Next Generation of Talent
The Best Student Film category features work from prestigious animation schools across Europe:
- “A Sparrow’s Song” from Filmakademie Baden-Württemberg
- “Acrobats” from Gobelins
- “Jour de vent” from École des Nouvelles Images
- “The Undying Pain of Existence” from Filmakademie Baden-Württemberg
- “TRASH” from ESMA
French animation schools particularly dominate this category, continuing their reputation for producing world-class animation talent.
Video Games and Live-Action Integration Expand Recognition
The Annies continue acknowledging animation beyond traditional film and TV.
Best Character Animation – Video Game nominees include anticipated titles like Death Stranding 2: On the Beach, Ghost of Yōtei, and South of Midnight.
The Best Character Animation – Live Action category recognizes visual effects work in Captain America: Brave New World, How To Train Your Dragon (the live-action adaptation), and Superman.
Prehistoric Planet: Ice Age from BBC Studios earned multiple nominations, demonstrating how natural history documentaries increasingly rely on cutting-edge animation technology.
Voice Acting Recognition Spans Genres and Platforms
Outstanding voice performances earned nominations across both television and feature categories.
Dan Mintz secured recognition for voicing Tina Belcher in Bob’s Burgers, while Erika Henningsen earned a nod for Charlie Morningstar in Amazon’s Hazbin Hotel.
Feature film voice acting nominees include Arden Cho (KPop Demon Hunters), Remy Edgerly (Elio), and Maitreyi Ramakrishnan (The Twits).
These nominations reflect animation’s ability to attract diverse talent capable of bringing characters to life through vocal performance alone.
What These Nominations Mean for Animation’s Future
The 2026 Annie Awards nominations reveal several industry trends.
Streaming platforms like Netflix continue investing heavily in animated content, with multiple nominations across original films and series.
Traditional studios remain competitive, but independent international productions are gaining recognition that was once reserved for major studio releases.
The expansion of categories to include video games and live-action integration acknowledges animation’s growing influence across entertainment media.
Technical categories highlight how sophisticated modern animation has become, with specialized teams for effects, character animation, and production design all receiving dedicated recognition.
The 53rd Annie Awards ceremony takes place February 21 at UCLA’s Royce Hall, presented by ASIFA-Hollywood, the largest chapter of the international animation organization dedicated to promoting animation art and celebrating its creators.
Technical Innovation and Community Building Celebrated
Wacom will receive the Ub Iwerks Award for technical achievement.
The company’s Cintiq graphics tablets and related products have become indispensable tools in modern animation production, fundamentally changing how artists create.
The Special Achievement Award goes to LightBox Expo, the annual event connecting animation filmmakers with students, fans, and industry professionals.
LightBox has grown into one of animation’s premier networking and educational events, fostering mentorship and career development.
Student Films Show Next Generation of Talent
The Best Student Film category features work from prestigious animation schools across Europe:
- “A Sparrow’s Song” from Filmakademie Baden-Württemberg
- “Acrobats” from Gobelins
- “Jour de vent” from École des Nouvelles Images
- “The Undying Pain of Existence” from Filmakademie Baden-Württemberg
- “TRASH” from ESMA
French animation schools particularly dominate this category, continuing their reputation for producing world-class animation talent.
Video Games and Live-Action Integration Expand Recognition
The Annies continue acknowledging animation beyond traditional film and TV.
Best Character Animation – Video Game nominees include anticipated titles like Death Stranding 2: On the Beach, Ghost of Yōtei, and South of Midnight.
The Best Character Animation – Live Action category recognizes visual effects work in Captain America: Brave New World, How To Train Your Dragon (the live-action adaptation), and Superman.
Prehistoric Planet: Ice Age from BBC Studios earned multiple nominations, demonstrating how natural history documentaries increasingly rely on cutting-edge animation technology.
Voice Acting Recognition Spans Genres and Platforms
Outstanding voice performances earned nominations across both television and feature categories.
Dan Mintz secured recognition for voicing Tina Belcher in Bob’s Burgers, while Erika Henningsen earned a nod for Charlie Morningstar in Amazon’s Hazbin Hotel.
Feature film voice acting nominees include Arden Cho (KPop Demon Hunters), Remy Edgerly (Elio), and Maitreyi Ramakrishnan (The Twits).
These nominations reflect animation’s ability to attract diverse talent capable of bringing characters to life through vocal performance alone.
What These Nominations Mean for Animation’s Future
The 2026 Annie Awards nominations reveal several industry trends.
Streaming platforms like Netflix continue investing heavily in animated content, with multiple nominations across original films and series.
Traditional studios remain competitive, but independent international productions are gaining recognition that was once reserved for major studio releases.
The expansion of categories to include video games and live-action integration acknowledges animation’s growing influence across entertainment media.
Technical categories highlight how sophisticated modern animation has become, with specialized teams for effects, character animation, and production design all receiving dedicated recognition.
The 53rd Annie Awards ceremony takes place February 21 at UCLA’s Royce Hall, presented by ASIFA-Hollywood, the largest chapter of the international animation organization dedicated to promoting animation art and celebrating its creators.
Technical Innovation and Community Building Celebrated
Wacom will receive the Ub Iwerks Award for technical achievement.
The company’s Cintiq graphics tablets and related products have become indispensable tools in modern animation production, fundamentally changing how artists create.
The Special Achievement Award goes to LightBox Expo, the annual event connecting animation filmmakers with students, fans, and industry professionals.
LightBox has grown into one of animation’s premier networking and educational events, fostering mentorship and career development.
Student Films Show Next Generation of Talent
The Best Student Film category features work from prestigious animation schools across Europe:
- “A Sparrow’s Song” from Filmakademie Baden-Württemberg
- “Acrobats” from Gobelins
- “Jour de vent” from École des Nouvelles Images
- “The Undying Pain of Existence” from Filmakademie Baden-Württemberg
- “TRASH” from ESMA
French animation schools particularly dominate this category, continuing their reputation for producing world-class animation talent.
Video Games and Live-Action Integration Expand Recognition
The Annies continue acknowledging animation beyond traditional film and TV.
Best Character Animation – Video Game nominees include anticipated titles like Death Stranding 2: On the Beach, Ghost of Yōtei, and South of Midnight.
The Best Character Animation – Live Action category recognizes visual effects work in Captain America: Brave New World, How To Train Your Dragon (the live-action adaptation), and Superman.
Prehistoric Planet: Ice Age from BBC Studios earned multiple nominations, demonstrating how natural history documentaries increasingly rely on cutting-edge animation technology.
Voice Acting Recognition Spans Genres and Platforms
Outstanding voice performances earned nominations across both television and feature categories.
Dan Mintz secured recognition for voicing Tina Belcher in Bob’s Burgers, while Erika Henningsen earned a nod for Charlie Morningstar in Amazon’s Hazbin Hotel.
Feature film voice acting nominees include Arden Cho (KPop Demon Hunters), Remy Edgerly (Elio), and Maitreyi Ramakrishnan (The Twits).
These nominations reflect animation’s ability to attract diverse talent capable of bringing characters to life through vocal performance alone.
What These Nominations Mean for Animation’s Future
The 2026 Annie Awards nominations reveal several industry trends.
Streaming platforms like Netflix continue investing heavily in animated content, with multiple nominations across original films and series.
Traditional studios remain competitive, but independent international productions are gaining recognition that was once reserved for major studio releases.
The expansion of categories to include video games and live-action integration acknowledges animation’s growing influence across entertainment media.
Technical categories highlight how sophisticated modern animation has become, with specialized teams for effects, character animation, and production design all receiving dedicated recognition.
The 53rd Annie Awards ceremony takes place February 21 at UCLA’s Royce Hall, presented by ASIFA-Hollywood, the largest chapter of the international animation organization dedicated to promoting animation art and celebrating its creators.
This recognition highlights the animation community’s commitment to supporting its members during crisis.
Technical Innovation and Community Building Celebrated
Wacom will receive the Ub Iwerks Award for technical achievement.
The company’s Cintiq graphics tablets and related products have become indispensable tools in modern animation production, fundamentally changing how artists create.
The Special Achievement Award goes to LightBox Expo, the annual event connecting animation filmmakers with students, fans, and industry professionals.
LightBox has grown into one of animation’s premier networking and educational events, fostering mentorship and career development.
Student Films Show Next Generation of Talent
The Best Student Film category features work from prestigious animation schools across Europe:
- “A Sparrow’s Song” from Filmakademie Baden-Württemberg
- “Acrobats” from Gobelins
- “Jour de vent” from École des Nouvelles Images
- “The Undying Pain of Existence” from Filmakademie Baden-Württemberg
- “TRASH” from ESMA
French animation schools particularly dominate this category, continuing their reputation for producing world-class animation talent.
Video Games and Live-Action Integration Expand Recognition
The Annies continue acknowledging animation beyond traditional film and TV.
Best Character Animation – Video Game nominees include anticipated titles like Death Stranding 2: On the Beach, Ghost of Yōtei, and South of Midnight.
The Best Character Animation – Live Action category recognizes visual effects work in Captain America: Brave New World, How To Train Your Dragon (the live-action adaptation), and Superman.
Prehistoric Planet: Ice Age from BBC Studios earned multiple nominations, demonstrating how natural history documentaries increasingly rely on cutting-edge animation technology.
Voice Acting Recognition Spans Genres and Platforms
Outstanding voice performances earned nominations across both television and feature categories.
Dan Mintz secured recognition for voicing Tina Belcher in Bob’s Burgers, while Erika Henningsen earned a nod for Charlie Morningstar in Amazon’s Hazbin Hotel.
Feature film voice acting nominees include Arden Cho (KPop Demon Hunters), Remy Edgerly (Elio), and Maitreyi Ramakrishnan (The Twits).
These nominations reflect animation’s ability to attract diverse talent capable of bringing characters to life through vocal performance alone.
What These Nominations Mean for Animation’s Future
The 2026 Annie Awards nominations reveal several industry trends.
Streaming platforms like Netflix continue investing heavily in animated content, with multiple nominations across original films and series.
Traditional studios remain competitive, but independent international productions are gaining recognition that was once reserved for major studio releases.
The expansion of categories to include video games and live-action integration acknowledges animation’s growing influence across entertainment media.
Technical categories highlight how sophisticated modern animation has become, with specialized teams for effects, character animation, and production design all receiving dedicated recognition.
The 53rd Annie Awards ceremony takes place February 21 at UCLA’s Royce Hall, presented by ASIFA-Hollywood, the largest chapter of the international animation organization dedicated to promoting animation art and celebrating its creators.
This recognition highlights the animation community’s commitment to supporting its members during crisis.
Technical Innovation and Community Building Celebrated
Wacom will receive the Ub Iwerks Award for technical achievement.
The company’s Cintiq graphics tablets and related products have become indispensable tools in modern animation production, fundamentally changing how artists create.
The Special Achievement Award goes to LightBox Expo, the annual event connecting animation filmmakers with students, fans, and industry professionals.
LightBox has grown into one of animation’s premier networking and educational events, fostering mentorship and career development.
Student Films Show Next Generation of Talent
The Best Student Film category features work from prestigious animation schools across Europe:
- “A Sparrow’s Song” from Filmakademie Baden-Württemberg
- “Acrobats” from Gobelins
- “Jour de vent” from École des Nouvelles Images
- “The Undying Pain of Existence” from Filmakademie Baden-Württemberg
- “TRASH” from ESMA
French animation schools particularly dominate this category, continuing their reputation for producing world-class animation talent.
Video Games and Live-Action Integration Expand Recognition
The Annies continue acknowledging animation beyond traditional film and TV.
Best Character Animation – Video Game nominees include anticipated titles like Death Stranding 2: On the Beach, Ghost of Yōtei, and South of Midnight.
The Best Character Animation – Live Action category recognizes visual effects work in Captain America: Brave New World, How To Train Your Dragon (the live-action adaptation), and Superman.
Prehistoric Planet: Ice Age from BBC Studios earned multiple nominations, demonstrating how natural history documentaries increasingly rely on cutting-edge animation technology.
Voice Acting Recognition Spans Genres and Platforms
Outstanding voice performances earned nominations across both television and feature categories.
Dan Mintz secured recognition for voicing Tina Belcher in Bob’s Burgers, while Erika Henningsen earned a nod for Charlie Morningstar in Amazon’s Hazbin Hotel.
Feature film voice acting nominees include Arden Cho (KPop Demon Hunters), Remy Edgerly (Elio), and Maitreyi Ramakrishnan (The Twits).
These nominations reflect animation’s ability to attract diverse talent capable of bringing characters to life through vocal performance alone.
What These Nominations Mean for Animation’s Future
The 2026 Annie Awards nominations reveal several industry trends.
Streaming platforms like Netflix continue investing heavily in animated content, with multiple nominations across original films and series.
Traditional studios remain competitive, but independent international productions are gaining recognition that was once reserved for major studio releases.
The expansion of categories to include video games and live-action integration acknowledges animation’s growing influence across entertainment media.
Technical categories highlight how sophisticated modern animation has become, with specialized teams for effects, character animation, and production design all receiving dedicated recognition.
The 53rd Annie Awards ceremony takes place February 21 at UCLA’s Royce Hall, presented by ASIFA-Hollywood, the largest chapter of the international animation organization dedicated to promoting animation art and celebrating its creators.
Rabins led the AnimAID effort, providing crucial support to animation professionals affected by the devastating Los Angeles wildfires.
This recognition highlights the animation community’s commitment to supporting its members during crisis.
Technical Innovation and Community Building Celebrated
Wacom will receive the Ub Iwerks Award for technical achievement.
The company’s Cintiq graphics tablets and related products have become indispensable tools in modern animation production, fundamentally changing how artists create.
The Special Achievement Award goes to LightBox Expo, the annual event connecting animation filmmakers with students, fans, and industry professionals.
LightBox has grown into one of animation’s premier networking and educational events, fostering mentorship and career development.
Student Films Show Next Generation of Talent
The Best Student Film category features work from prestigious animation schools across Europe:
- “A Sparrow’s Song” from Filmakademie Baden-Württemberg
- “Acrobats” from Gobelins
- “Jour de vent” from École des Nouvelles Images
- “The Undying Pain of Existence” from Filmakademie Baden-Württemberg
- “TRASH” from ESMA
French animation schools particularly dominate this category, continuing their reputation for producing world-class animation talent.
Video Games and Live-Action Integration Expand Recognition
The Annies continue acknowledging animation beyond traditional film and TV.
Best Character Animation – Video Game nominees include anticipated titles like Death Stranding 2: On the Beach, Ghost of Yōtei, and South of Midnight.
The Best Character Animation – Live Action category recognizes visual effects work in Captain America: Brave New World, How To Train Your Dragon (the live-action adaptation), and Superman.
Prehistoric Planet: Ice Age from BBC Studios earned multiple nominations, demonstrating how natural history documentaries increasingly rely on cutting-edge animation technology.
Voice Acting Recognition Spans Genres and Platforms
Outstanding voice performances earned nominations across both television and feature categories.
Dan Mintz secured recognition for voicing Tina Belcher in Bob’s Burgers, while Erika Henningsen earned a nod for Charlie Morningstar in Amazon’s Hazbin Hotel.
Feature film voice acting nominees include Arden Cho (KPop Demon Hunters), Remy Edgerly (Elio), and Maitreyi Ramakrishnan (The Twits).
These nominations reflect animation’s ability to attract diverse talent capable of bringing characters to life through vocal performance alone.
What These Nominations Mean for Animation’s Future
The 2026 Annie Awards nominations reveal several industry trends.
Streaming platforms like Netflix continue investing heavily in animated content, with multiple nominations across original films and series.
Traditional studios remain competitive, but independent international productions are gaining recognition that was once reserved for major studio releases.
The expansion of categories to include video games and live-action integration acknowledges animation’s growing influence across entertainment media.
Technical categories highlight how sophisticated modern animation has become, with specialized teams for effects, character animation, and production design all receiving dedicated recognition.
The 53rd Annie Awards ceremony takes place February 21 at UCLA’s Royce Hall, presented by ASIFA-Hollywood, the largest chapter of the international animation organization dedicated to promoting animation art and celebrating its creators.
Rabins led the AnimAID effort, providing crucial support to animation professionals affected by the devastating Los Angeles wildfires.
This recognition highlights the animation community’s commitment to supporting its members during crisis.
Technical Innovation and Community Building Celebrated
Wacom will receive the Ub Iwerks Award for technical achievement.
The company’s Cintiq graphics tablets and related products have become indispensable tools in modern animation production, fundamentally changing how artists create.
The Special Achievement Award goes to LightBox Expo, the annual event connecting animation filmmakers with students, fans, and industry professionals.
LightBox has grown into one of animation’s premier networking and educational events, fostering mentorship and career development.
Student Films Show Next Generation of Talent
The Best Student Film category features work from prestigious animation schools across Europe:
- “A Sparrow’s Song” from Filmakademie Baden-Württemberg
- “Acrobats” from Gobelins
- “Jour de vent” from École des Nouvelles Images
- “The Undying Pain of Existence” from Filmakademie Baden-Württemberg
- “TRASH” from ESMA
French animation schools particularly dominate this category, continuing their reputation for producing world-class animation talent.
Video Games and Live-Action Integration Expand Recognition
The Annies continue acknowledging animation beyond traditional film and TV.
Best Character Animation – Video Game nominees include anticipated titles like Death Stranding 2: On the Beach, Ghost of Yōtei, and South of Midnight.
The Best Character Animation – Live Action category recognizes visual effects work in Captain America: Brave New World, How To Train Your Dragon (the live-action adaptation), and Superman.
Prehistoric Planet: Ice Age from BBC Studios earned multiple nominations, demonstrating how natural history documentaries increasingly rely on cutting-edge animation technology.
Voice Acting Recognition Spans Genres and Platforms
Outstanding voice performances earned nominations across both television and feature categories.
Dan Mintz secured recognition for voicing Tina Belcher in Bob’s Burgers, while Erika Henningsen earned a nod for Charlie Morningstar in Amazon’s Hazbin Hotel.
Feature film voice acting nominees include Arden Cho (KPop Demon Hunters), Remy Edgerly (Elio), and Maitreyi Ramakrishnan (The Twits).
These nominations reflect animation’s ability to attract diverse talent capable of bringing characters to life through vocal performance alone.
What These Nominations Mean for Animation’s Future
The 2026 Annie Awards nominations reveal several industry trends.
Streaming platforms like Netflix continue investing heavily in animated content, with multiple nominations across original films and series.
Traditional studios remain competitive, but independent international productions are gaining recognition that was once reserved for major studio releases.
The expansion of categories to include video games and live-action integration acknowledges animation’s growing influence across entertainment media.
Technical categories highlight how sophisticated modern animation has become, with specialized teams for effects, character animation, and production design all receiving dedicated recognition.
The 53rd Annie Awards ceremony takes place February 21 at UCLA’s Royce Hall, presented by ASIFA-Hollywood, the largest chapter of the international animation organization dedicated to promoting animation art and celebrating its creators.
The June Foray Award, given for significant impact on the animation community, will go to producer Sandy Rabins.
Rabins led the AnimAID effort, providing crucial support to animation professionals affected by the devastating Los Angeles wildfires.
This recognition highlights the animation community’s commitment to supporting its members during crisis.
Technical Innovation and Community Building Celebrated
Wacom will receive the Ub Iwerks Award for technical achievement.
The company’s Cintiq graphics tablets and related products have become indispensable tools in modern animation production, fundamentally changing how artists create.
The Special Achievement Award goes to LightBox Expo, the annual event connecting animation filmmakers with students, fans, and industry professionals.
LightBox has grown into one of animation’s premier networking and educational events, fostering mentorship and career development.
Student Films Show Next Generation of Talent
The Best Student Film category features work from prestigious animation schools across Europe:
- “A Sparrow’s Song” from Filmakademie Baden-Württemberg
- “Acrobats” from Gobelins
- “Jour de vent” from École des Nouvelles Images
- “The Undying Pain of Existence” from Filmakademie Baden-Württemberg
- “TRASH” from ESMA
French animation schools particularly dominate this category, continuing their reputation for producing world-class animation talent.
Video Games and Live-Action Integration Expand Recognition
The Annies continue acknowledging animation beyond traditional film and TV.
Best Character Animation – Video Game nominees include anticipated titles like Death Stranding 2: On the Beach, Ghost of Yōtei, and South of Midnight.
The Best Character Animation – Live Action category recognizes visual effects work in Captain America: Brave New World, How To Train Your Dragon (the live-action adaptation), and Superman.
Prehistoric Planet: Ice Age from BBC Studios earned multiple nominations, demonstrating how natural history documentaries increasingly rely on cutting-edge animation technology.
Voice Acting Recognition Spans Genres and Platforms
Outstanding voice performances earned nominations across both television and feature categories.
Dan Mintz secured recognition for voicing Tina Belcher in Bob’s Burgers, while Erika Henningsen earned a nod for Charlie Morningstar in Amazon’s Hazbin Hotel.
Feature film voice acting nominees include Arden Cho (KPop Demon Hunters), Remy Edgerly (Elio), and Maitreyi Ramakrishnan (The Twits).
These nominations reflect animation’s ability to attract diverse talent capable of bringing characters to life through vocal performance alone.
What These Nominations Mean for Animation’s Future
The 2026 Annie Awards nominations reveal several industry trends.
Streaming platforms like Netflix continue investing heavily in animated content, with multiple nominations across original films and series.
Traditional studios remain competitive, but independent international productions are gaining recognition that was once reserved for major studio releases.
The expansion of categories to include video games and live-action integration acknowledges animation’s growing influence across entertainment media.
Technical categories highlight how sophisticated modern animation has become, with specialized teams for effects, character animation, and production design all receiving dedicated recognition.
The 53rd Annie Awards ceremony takes place February 21 at UCLA’s Royce Hall, presented by ASIFA-Hollywood, the largest chapter of the international animation organization dedicated to promoting animation art and celebrating its creators.
The June Foray Award, given for significant impact on the animation community, will go to producer Sandy Rabins.
Rabins led the AnimAID effort, providing crucial support to animation professionals affected by the devastating Los Angeles wildfires.
This recognition highlights the animation community’s commitment to supporting its members during crisis.
Technical Innovation and Community Building Celebrated
Wacom will receive the Ub Iwerks Award for technical achievement.
The company’s Cintiq graphics tablets and related products have become indispensable tools in modern animation production, fundamentally changing how artists create.
The Special Achievement Award goes to LightBox Expo, the annual event connecting animation filmmakers with students, fans, and industry professionals.
LightBox has grown into one of animation’s premier networking and educational events, fostering mentorship and career development.
Student Films Show Next Generation of Talent
The Best Student Film category features work from prestigious animation schools across Europe:
- “A Sparrow’s Song” from Filmakademie Baden-Württemberg
- “Acrobats” from Gobelins
- “Jour de vent” from École des Nouvelles Images
- “The Undying Pain of Existence” from Filmakademie Baden-Württemberg
- “TRASH” from ESMA
French animation schools particularly dominate this category, continuing their reputation for producing world-class animation talent.
Video Games and Live-Action Integration Expand Recognition
The Annies continue acknowledging animation beyond traditional film and TV.
Best Character Animation – Video Game nominees include anticipated titles like Death Stranding 2: On the Beach, Ghost of Yōtei, and South of Midnight.
The Best Character Animation – Live Action category recognizes visual effects work in Captain America: Brave New World, How To Train Your Dragon (the live-action adaptation), and Superman.
Prehistoric Planet: Ice Age from BBC Studios earned multiple nominations, demonstrating how natural history documentaries increasingly rely on cutting-edge animation technology.
Voice Acting Recognition Spans Genres and Platforms
Outstanding voice performances earned nominations across both television and feature categories.
Dan Mintz secured recognition for voicing Tina Belcher in Bob’s Burgers, while Erika Henningsen earned a nod for Charlie Morningstar in Amazon’s Hazbin Hotel.
Feature film voice acting nominees include Arden Cho (KPop Demon Hunters), Remy Edgerly (Elio), and Maitreyi Ramakrishnan (The Twits).
These nominations reflect animation’s ability to attract diverse talent capable of bringing characters to life through vocal performance alone.
What These Nominations Mean for Animation’s Future
The 2026 Annie Awards nominations reveal several industry trends.
Streaming platforms like Netflix continue investing heavily in animated content, with multiple nominations across original films and series.
Traditional studios remain competitive, but independent international productions are gaining recognition that was once reserved for major studio releases.
The expansion of categories to include video games and live-action integration acknowledges animation’s growing influence across entertainment media.
Technical categories highlight how sophisticated modern animation has become, with specialized teams for effects, character animation, and production design all receiving dedicated recognition.
The 53rd Annie Awards ceremony takes place February 21 at UCLA’s Royce Hall, presented by ASIFA-Hollywood, the largest chapter of the international animation organization dedicated to promoting animation art and celebrating its creators.
Industry Support Recognized Following L.A. Wildfires
The June Foray Award, given for significant impact on the animation community, will go to producer Sandy Rabins.
Rabins led the AnimAID effort, providing crucial support to animation professionals affected by the devastating Los Angeles wildfires.
This recognition highlights the animation community’s commitment to supporting its members during crisis.
Technical Innovation and Community Building Celebrated
Wacom will receive the Ub Iwerks Award for technical achievement.
The company’s Cintiq graphics tablets and related products have become indispensable tools in modern animation production, fundamentally changing how artists create.
The Special Achievement Award goes to LightBox Expo, the annual event connecting animation filmmakers with students, fans, and industry professionals.
LightBox has grown into one of animation’s premier networking and educational events, fostering mentorship and career development.
Student Films Show Next Generation of Talent
The Best Student Film category features work from prestigious animation schools across Europe:
- “A Sparrow’s Song” from Filmakademie Baden-Württemberg
- “Acrobats” from Gobelins
- “Jour de vent” from École des Nouvelles Images
- “The Undying Pain of Existence” from Filmakademie Baden-Württemberg
- “TRASH” from ESMA
French animation schools particularly dominate this category, continuing their reputation for producing world-class animation talent.
Video Games and Live-Action Integration Expand Recognition
The Annies continue acknowledging animation beyond traditional film and TV.
Best Character Animation – Video Game nominees include anticipated titles like Death Stranding 2: On the Beach, Ghost of Yōtei, and South of Midnight.
The Best Character Animation – Live Action category recognizes visual effects work in Captain America: Brave New World, How To Train Your Dragon (the live-action adaptation), and Superman.
Prehistoric Planet: Ice Age from BBC Studios earned multiple nominations, demonstrating how natural history documentaries increasingly rely on cutting-edge animation technology.
Voice Acting Recognition Spans Genres and Platforms
Outstanding voice performances earned nominations across both television and feature categories.
Dan Mintz secured recognition for voicing Tina Belcher in Bob’s Burgers, while Erika Henningsen earned a nod for Charlie Morningstar in Amazon’s Hazbin Hotel.
Feature film voice acting nominees include Arden Cho (KPop Demon Hunters), Remy Edgerly (Elio), and Maitreyi Ramakrishnan (The Twits).
These nominations reflect animation’s ability to attract diverse talent capable of bringing characters to life through vocal performance alone.
What These Nominations Mean for Animation’s Future
The 2026 Annie Awards nominations reveal several industry trends.
Streaming platforms like Netflix continue investing heavily in animated content, with multiple nominations across original films and series.
Traditional studios remain competitive, but independent international productions are gaining recognition that was once reserved for major studio releases.
The expansion of categories to include video games and live-action integration acknowledges animation’s growing influence across entertainment media.
Technical categories highlight how sophisticated modern animation has become, with specialized teams for effects, character animation, and production design all receiving dedicated recognition.
The 53rd Annie Awards ceremony takes place February 21 at UCLA’s Royce Hall, presented by ASIFA-Hollywood, the largest chapter of the international animation organization dedicated to promoting animation art and celebrating its creators.
Industry Support Recognized Following L.A. Wildfires
The June Foray Award, given for significant impact on the animation community, will go to producer Sandy Rabins.
Rabins led the AnimAID effort, providing crucial support to animation professionals affected by the devastating Los Angeles wildfires.
This recognition highlights the animation community’s commitment to supporting its members during crisis.
Technical Innovation and Community Building Celebrated
Wacom will receive the Ub Iwerks Award for technical achievement.
The company’s Cintiq graphics tablets and related products have become indispensable tools in modern animation production, fundamentally changing how artists create.
The Special Achievement Award goes to LightBox Expo, the annual event connecting animation filmmakers with students, fans, and industry professionals.
LightBox has grown into one of animation’s premier networking and educational events, fostering mentorship and career development.
Student Films Show Next Generation of Talent
The Best Student Film category features work from prestigious animation schools across Europe:
- “A Sparrow’s Song” from Filmakademie Baden-Württemberg
- “Acrobats” from Gobelins
- “Jour de vent” from École des Nouvelles Images
- “The Undying Pain of Existence” from Filmakademie Baden-Württemberg
- “TRASH” from ESMA
French animation schools particularly dominate this category, continuing their reputation for producing world-class animation talent.
Video Games and Live-Action Integration Expand Recognition
The Annies continue acknowledging animation beyond traditional film and TV.
Best Character Animation – Video Game nominees include anticipated titles like Death Stranding 2: On the Beach, Ghost of Yōtei, and South of Midnight.
The Best Character Animation – Live Action category recognizes visual effects work in Captain America: Brave New World, How To Train Your Dragon (the live-action adaptation), and Superman.
Prehistoric Planet: Ice Age from BBC Studios earned multiple nominations, demonstrating how natural history documentaries increasingly rely on cutting-edge animation technology.
Voice Acting Recognition Spans Genres and Platforms
Outstanding voice performances earned nominations across both television and feature categories.
Dan Mintz secured recognition for voicing Tina Belcher in Bob’s Burgers, while Erika Henningsen earned a nod for Charlie Morningstar in Amazon’s Hazbin Hotel.
Feature film voice acting nominees include Arden Cho (KPop Demon Hunters), Remy Edgerly (Elio), and Maitreyi Ramakrishnan (The Twits).
These nominations reflect animation’s ability to attract diverse talent capable of bringing characters to life through vocal performance alone.
What These Nominations Mean for Animation’s Future
The 2026 Annie Awards nominations reveal several industry trends.
Streaming platforms like Netflix continue investing heavily in animated content, with multiple nominations across original films and series.
Traditional studios remain competitive, but independent international productions are gaining recognition that was once reserved for major studio releases.
The expansion of categories to include video games and live-action integration acknowledges animation’s growing influence across entertainment media.
Technical categories highlight how sophisticated modern animation has become, with specialized teams for effects, character animation, and production design all receiving dedicated recognition.
The 53rd Annie Awards ceremony takes place February 21 at UCLA’s Royce Hall, presented by ASIFA-Hollywood, the largest chapter of the international animation organization dedicated to promoting animation art and celebrating its creators.
Also receiving Windsor McCay recognition: animator-writer-director Michaël Dudok de Wit (The Red Turtle) and writer-director Chris Sanders (Lilo & Stitch, How to Train Your Dragon).
Industry Support Recognized Following L.A. Wildfires
The June Foray Award, given for significant impact on the animation community, will go to producer Sandy Rabins.
Rabins led the AnimAID effort, providing crucial support to animation professionals affected by the devastating Los Angeles wildfires.
This recognition highlights the animation community’s commitment to supporting its members during crisis.
Technical Innovation and Community Building Celebrated
Wacom will receive the Ub Iwerks Award for technical achievement.
The company’s Cintiq graphics tablets and related products have become indispensable tools in modern animation production, fundamentally changing how artists create.
The Special Achievement Award goes to LightBox Expo, the annual event connecting animation filmmakers with students, fans, and industry professionals.
LightBox has grown into one of animation’s premier networking and educational events, fostering mentorship and career development.
Student Films Show Next Generation of Talent
The Best Student Film category features work from prestigious animation schools across Europe:
- “A Sparrow’s Song” from Filmakademie Baden-Württemberg
- “Acrobats” from Gobelins
- “Jour de vent” from École des Nouvelles Images
- “The Undying Pain of Existence” from Filmakademie Baden-Württemberg
- “TRASH” from ESMA
French animation schools particularly dominate this category, continuing their reputation for producing world-class animation talent.
Video Games and Live-Action Integration Expand Recognition
The Annies continue acknowledging animation beyond traditional film and TV.
Best Character Animation – Video Game nominees include anticipated titles like Death Stranding 2: On the Beach, Ghost of Yōtei, and South of Midnight.
The Best Character Animation – Live Action category recognizes visual effects work in Captain America: Brave New World, How To Train Your Dragon (the live-action adaptation), and Superman.
Prehistoric Planet: Ice Age from BBC Studios earned multiple nominations, demonstrating how natural history documentaries increasingly rely on cutting-edge animation technology.
Voice Acting Recognition Spans Genres and Platforms
Outstanding voice performances earned nominations across both television and feature categories.
Dan Mintz secured recognition for voicing Tina Belcher in Bob’s Burgers, while Erika Henningsen earned a nod for Charlie Morningstar in Amazon’s Hazbin Hotel.
Feature film voice acting nominees include Arden Cho (KPop Demon Hunters), Remy Edgerly (Elio), and Maitreyi Ramakrishnan (The Twits).
These nominations reflect animation’s ability to attract diverse talent capable of bringing characters to life through vocal performance alone.
What These Nominations Mean for Animation’s Future
The 2026 Annie Awards nominations reveal several industry trends.
Streaming platforms like Netflix continue investing heavily in animated content, with multiple nominations across original films and series.
Traditional studios remain competitive, but independent international productions are gaining recognition that was once reserved for major studio releases.
The expansion of categories to include video games and live-action integration acknowledges animation’s growing influence across entertainment media.
Technical categories highlight how sophisticated modern animation has become, with specialized teams for effects, character animation, and production design all receiving dedicated recognition.
The 53rd Annie Awards ceremony takes place February 21 at UCLA’s Royce Hall, presented by ASIFA-Hollywood, the largest chapter of the international animation organization dedicated to promoting animation art and celebrating its creators.
Also receiving Windsor McCay recognition: animator-writer-director Michaël Dudok de Wit (The Red Turtle) and writer-director Chris Sanders (Lilo & Stitch, How to Train Your Dragon).
Industry Support Recognized Following L.A. Wildfires
The June Foray Award, given for significant impact on the animation community, will go to producer Sandy Rabins.
Rabins led the AnimAID effort, providing crucial support to animation professionals affected by the devastating Los Angeles wildfires.
This recognition highlights the animation community’s commitment to supporting its members during crisis.
Technical Innovation and Community Building Celebrated
Wacom will receive the Ub Iwerks Award for technical achievement.
The company’s Cintiq graphics tablets and related products have become indispensable tools in modern animation production, fundamentally changing how artists create.
The Special Achievement Award goes to LightBox Expo, the annual event connecting animation filmmakers with students, fans, and industry professionals.
LightBox has grown into one of animation’s premier networking and educational events, fostering mentorship and career development.
Student Films Show Next Generation of Talent
The Best Student Film category features work from prestigious animation schools across Europe:
- “A Sparrow’s Song” from Filmakademie Baden-Württemberg
- “Acrobats” from Gobelins
- “Jour de vent” from École des Nouvelles Images
- “The Undying Pain of Existence” from Filmakademie Baden-Württemberg
- “TRASH” from ESMA
French animation schools particularly dominate this category, continuing their reputation for producing world-class animation talent.
Video Games and Live-Action Integration Expand Recognition
The Annies continue acknowledging animation beyond traditional film and TV.
Best Character Animation – Video Game nominees include anticipated titles like Death Stranding 2: On the Beach, Ghost of Yōtei, and South of Midnight.
The Best Character Animation – Live Action category recognizes visual effects work in Captain America: Brave New World, How To Train Your Dragon (the live-action adaptation), and Superman.
Prehistoric Planet: Ice Age from BBC Studios earned multiple nominations, demonstrating how natural history documentaries increasingly rely on cutting-edge animation technology.
Voice Acting Recognition Spans Genres and Platforms
Outstanding voice performances earned nominations across both television and feature categories.
Dan Mintz secured recognition for voicing Tina Belcher in Bob’s Burgers, while Erika Henningsen earned a nod for Charlie Morningstar in Amazon’s Hazbin Hotel.
Feature film voice acting nominees include Arden Cho (KPop Demon Hunters), Remy Edgerly (Elio), and Maitreyi Ramakrishnan (The Twits).
These nominations reflect animation’s ability to attract diverse talent capable of bringing characters to life through vocal performance alone.
What These Nominations Mean for Animation’s Future
The 2026 Annie Awards nominations reveal several industry trends.
Streaming platforms like Netflix continue investing heavily in animated content, with multiple nominations across original films and series.
Traditional studios remain competitive, but independent international productions are gaining recognition that was once reserved for major studio releases.
The expansion of categories to include video games and live-action integration acknowledges animation’s growing influence across entertainment media.
Technical categories highlight how sophisticated modern animation has become, with specialized teams for effects, character animation, and production design all receiving dedicated recognition.
The 53rd Annie Awards ceremony takes place February 21 at UCLA’s Royce Hall, presented by ASIFA-Hollywood, the largest chapter of the international animation organization dedicated to promoting animation art and celebrating its creators.
The Windsor McCay Award for lifetime achievement will honor Christopher Miller and Phil Lord, the duo behind The LEGO Movie and Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse.
Also receiving Windsor McCay recognition: animator-writer-director Michaël Dudok de Wit (The Red Turtle) and writer-director Chris Sanders (Lilo & Stitch, How to Train Your Dragon).
Industry Support Recognized Following L.A. Wildfires
The June Foray Award, given for significant impact on the animation community, will go to producer Sandy Rabins.
Rabins led the AnimAID effort, providing crucial support to animation professionals affected by the devastating Los Angeles wildfires.
This recognition highlights the animation community’s commitment to supporting its members during crisis.
Technical Innovation and Community Building Celebrated
Wacom will receive the Ub Iwerks Award for technical achievement.
The company’s Cintiq graphics tablets and related products have become indispensable tools in modern animation production, fundamentally changing how artists create.
The Special Achievement Award goes to LightBox Expo, the annual event connecting animation filmmakers with students, fans, and industry professionals.
LightBox has grown into one of animation’s premier networking and educational events, fostering mentorship and career development.
Student Films Show Next Generation of Talent
The Best Student Film category features work from prestigious animation schools across Europe:
- “A Sparrow’s Song” from Filmakademie Baden-Württemberg
- “Acrobats” from Gobelins
- “Jour de vent” from École des Nouvelles Images
- “The Undying Pain of Existence” from Filmakademie Baden-Württemberg
- “TRASH” from ESMA
French animation schools particularly dominate this category, continuing their reputation for producing world-class animation talent.
Video Games and Live-Action Integration Expand Recognition
The Annies continue acknowledging animation beyond traditional film and TV.
Best Character Animation – Video Game nominees include anticipated titles like Death Stranding 2: On the Beach, Ghost of Yōtei, and South of Midnight.
The Best Character Animation – Live Action category recognizes visual effects work in Captain America: Brave New World, How To Train Your Dragon (the live-action adaptation), and Superman.
Prehistoric Planet: Ice Age from BBC Studios earned multiple nominations, demonstrating how natural history documentaries increasingly rely on cutting-edge animation technology.
Voice Acting Recognition Spans Genres and Platforms
Outstanding voice performances earned nominations across both television and feature categories.
Dan Mintz secured recognition for voicing Tina Belcher in Bob’s Burgers, while Erika Henningsen earned a nod for Charlie Morningstar in Amazon’s Hazbin Hotel.
Feature film voice acting nominees include Arden Cho (KPop Demon Hunters), Remy Edgerly (Elio), and Maitreyi Ramakrishnan (The Twits).
These nominations reflect animation’s ability to attract diverse talent capable of bringing characters to life through vocal performance alone.
What These Nominations Mean for Animation’s Future
The 2026 Annie Awards nominations reveal several industry trends.
Streaming platforms like Netflix continue investing heavily in animated content, with multiple nominations across original films and series.
Traditional studios remain competitive, but independent international productions are gaining recognition that was once reserved for major studio releases.
The expansion of categories to include video games and live-action integration acknowledges animation’s growing influence across entertainment media.
Technical categories highlight how sophisticated modern animation has become, with specialized teams for effects, character animation, and production design all receiving dedicated recognition.
The 53rd Annie Awards ceremony takes place February 21 at UCLA’s Royce Hall, presented by ASIFA-Hollywood, the largest chapter of the international animation organization dedicated to promoting animation art and celebrating its creators.
The Windsor McCay Award for lifetime achievement will honor Christopher Miller and Phil Lord, the duo behind The LEGO Movie and Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse.
Also receiving Windsor McCay recognition: animator-writer-director Michaël Dudok de Wit (The Red Turtle) and writer-director Chris Sanders (Lilo & Stitch, How to Train Your Dragon).
Industry Support Recognized Following L.A. Wildfires
The June Foray Award, given for significant impact on the animation community, will go to producer Sandy Rabins.
Rabins led the AnimAID effort, providing crucial support to animation professionals affected by the devastating Los Angeles wildfires.
This recognition highlights the animation community’s commitment to supporting its members during crisis.
Technical Innovation and Community Building Celebrated
Wacom will receive the Ub Iwerks Award for technical achievement.
The company’s Cintiq graphics tablets and related products have become indispensable tools in modern animation production, fundamentally changing how artists create.
The Special Achievement Award goes to LightBox Expo, the annual event connecting animation filmmakers with students, fans, and industry professionals.
LightBox has grown into one of animation’s premier networking and educational events, fostering mentorship and career development.
Student Films Show Next Generation of Talent
The Best Student Film category features work from prestigious animation schools across Europe:
- “A Sparrow’s Song” from Filmakademie Baden-Württemberg
- “Acrobats” from Gobelins
- “Jour de vent” from École des Nouvelles Images
- “The Undying Pain of Existence” from Filmakademie Baden-Württemberg
- “TRASH” from ESMA
French animation schools particularly dominate this category, continuing their reputation for producing world-class animation talent.
Video Games and Live-Action Integration Expand Recognition
The Annies continue acknowledging animation beyond traditional film and TV.
Best Character Animation – Video Game nominees include anticipated titles like Death Stranding 2: On the Beach, Ghost of Yōtei, and South of Midnight.
The Best Character Animation – Live Action category recognizes visual effects work in Captain America: Brave New World, How To Train Your Dragon (the live-action adaptation), and Superman.
Prehistoric Planet: Ice Age from BBC Studios earned multiple nominations, demonstrating how natural history documentaries increasingly rely on cutting-edge animation technology.
Voice Acting Recognition Spans Genres and Platforms
Outstanding voice performances earned nominations across both television and feature categories.
Dan Mintz secured recognition for voicing Tina Belcher in Bob’s Burgers, while Erika Henningsen earned a nod for Charlie Morningstar in Amazon’s Hazbin Hotel.
Feature film voice acting nominees include Arden Cho (KPop Demon Hunters), Remy Edgerly (Elio), and Maitreyi Ramakrishnan (The Twits).
These nominations reflect animation’s ability to attract diverse talent capable of bringing characters to life through vocal performance alone.
What These Nominations Mean for Animation’s Future
The 2026 Annie Awards nominations reveal several industry trends.
Streaming platforms like Netflix continue investing heavily in animated content, with multiple nominations across original films and series.
Traditional studios remain competitive, but independent international productions are gaining recognition that was once reserved for major studio releases.
The expansion of categories to include video games and live-action integration acknowledges animation’s growing influence across entertainment media.
Technical categories highlight how sophisticated modern animation has become, with specialized teams for effects, character animation, and production design all receiving dedicated recognition.
The 53rd Annie Awards ceremony takes place February 21 at UCLA’s Royce Hall, presented by ASIFA-Hollywood, the largest chapter of the international animation organization dedicated to promoting animation art and celebrating its creators.
Beyond competitive categories, the Annies will present juried awards recognizing extraordinary contributions to animation.
The Windsor McCay Award for lifetime achievement will honor Christopher Miller and Phil Lord, the duo behind The LEGO Movie and Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse.
Also receiving Windsor McCay recognition: animator-writer-director Michaël Dudok de Wit (The Red Turtle) and writer-director Chris Sanders (Lilo & Stitch, How to Train Your Dragon).
Industry Support Recognized Following L.A. Wildfires
The June Foray Award, given for significant impact on the animation community, will go to producer Sandy Rabins.
Rabins led the AnimAID effort, providing crucial support to animation professionals affected by the devastating Los Angeles wildfires.
This recognition highlights the animation community’s commitment to supporting its members during crisis.
Technical Innovation and Community Building Celebrated
Wacom will receive the Ub Iwerks Award for technical achievement.
The company’s Cintiq graphics tablets and related products have become indispensable tools in modern animation production, fundamentally changing how artists create.
The Special Achievement Award goes to LightBox Expo, the annual event connecting animation filmmakers with students, fans, and industry professionals.
LightBox has grown into one of animation’s premier networking and educational events, fostering mentorship and career development.
Student Films Show Next Generation of Talent
The Best Student Film category features work from prestigious animation schools across Europe:
- “A Sparrow’s Song” from Filmakademie Baden-Württemberg
- “Acrobats” from Gobelins
- “Jour de vent” from École des Nouvelles Images
- “The Undying Pain of Existence” from Filmakademie Baden-Württemberg
- “TRASH” from ESMA
French animation schools particularly dominate this category, continuing their reputation for producing world-class animation talent.
Video Games and Live-Action Integration Expand Recognition
The Annies continue acknowledging animation beyond traditional film and TV.
Best Character Animation – Video Game nominees include anticipated titles like Death Stranding 2: On the Beach, Ghost of Yōtei, and South of Midnight.
The Best Character Animation – Live Action category recognizes visual effects work in Captain America: Brave New World, How To Train Your Dragon (the live-action adaptation), and Superman.
Prehistoric Planet: Ice Age from BBC Studios earned multiple nominations, demonstrating how natural history documentaries increasingly rely on cutting-edge animation technology.
Voice Acting Recognition Spans Genres and Platforms
Outstanding voice performances earned nominations across both television and feature categories.
Dan Mintz secured recognition for voicing Tina Belcher in Bob’s Burgers, while Erika Henningsen earned a nod for Charlie Morningstar in Amazon’s Hazbin Hotel.
Feature film voice acting nominees include Arden Cho (KPop Demon Hunters), Remy Edgerly (Elio), and Maitreyi Ramakrishnan (The Twits).
These nominations reflect animation’s ability to attract diverse talent capable of bringing characters to life through vocal performance alone.
What These Nominations Mean for Animation’s Future
The 2026 Annie Awards nominations reveal several industry trends.
Streaming platforms like Netflix continue investing heavily in animated content, with multiple nominations across original films and series.
Traditional studios remain competitive, but independent international productions are gaining recognition that was once reserved for major studio releases.
The expansion of categories to include video games and live-action integration acknowledges animation’s growing influence across entertainment media.
Technical categories highlight how sophisticated modern animation has become, with specialized teams for effects, character animation, and production design all receiving dedicated recognition.
The 53rd Annie Awards ceremony takes place February 21 at UCLA’s Royce Hall, presented by ASIFA-Hollywood, the largest chapter of the international animation organization dedicated to promoting animation art and celebrating its creators.
Beyond competitive categories, the Annies will present juried awards recognizing extraordinary contributions to animation.
The Windsor McCay Award for lifetime achievement will honor Christopher Miller and Phil Lord, the duo behind The LEGO Movie and Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse.
Also receiving Windsor McCay recognition: animator-writer-director Michaël Dudok de Wit (The Red Turtle) and writer-director Chris Sanders (Lilo & Stitch, How to Train Your Dragon).
Industry Support Recognized Following L.A. Wildfires
The June Foray Award, given for significant impact on the animation community, will go to producer Sandy Rabins.
Rabins led the AnimAID effort, providing crucial support to animation professionals affected by the devastating Los Angeles wildfires.
This recognition highlights the animation community’s commitment to supporting its members during crisis.
Technical Innovation and Community Building Celebrated
Wacom will receive the Ub Iwerks Award for technical achievement.
The company’s Cintiq graphics tablets and related products have become indispensable tools in modern animation production, fundamentally changing how artists create.
The Special Achievement Award goes to LightBox Expo, the annual event connecting animation filmmakers with students, fans, and industry professionals.
LightBox has grown into one of animation’s premier networking and educational events, fostering mentorship and career development.
Student Films Show Next Generation of Talent
The Best Student Film category features work from prestigious animation schools across Europe:
- “A Sparrow’s Song” from Filmakademie Baden-Württemberg
- “Acrobats” from Gobelins
- “Jour de vent” from École des Nouvelles Images
- “The Undying Pain of Existence” from Filmakademie Baden-Württemberg
- “TRASH” from ESMA
French animation schools particularly dominate this category, continuing their reputation for producing world-class animation talent.
Video Games and Live-Action Integration Expand Recognition
The Annies continue acknowledging animation beyond traditional film and TV.
Best Character Animation – Video Game nominees include anticipated titles like Death Stranding 2: On the Beach, Ghost of Yōtei, and South of Midnight.
The Best Character Animation – Live Action category recognizes visual effects work in Captain America: Brave New World, How To Train Your Dragon (the live-action adaptation), and Superman.
Prehistoric Planet: Ice Age from BBC Studios earned multiple nominations, demonstrating how natural history documentaries increasingly rely on cutting-edge animation technology.
Voice Acting Recognition Spans Genres and Platforms
Outstanding voice performances earned nominations across both television and feature categories.
Dan Mintz secured recognition for voicing Tina Belcher in Bob’s Burgers, while Erika Henningsen earned a nod for Charlie Morningstar in Amazon’s Hazbin Hotel.
Feature film voice acting nominees include Arden Cho (KPop Demon Hunters), Remy Edgerly (Elio), and Maitreyi Ramakrishnan (The Twits).
These nominations reflect animation’s ability to attract diverse talent capable of bringing characters to life through vocal performance alone.
What These Nominations Mean for Animation’s Future
The 2026 Annie Awards nominations reveal several industry trends.
Streaming platforms like Netflix continue investing heavily in animated content, with multiple nominations across original films and series.
Traditional studios remain competitive, but independent international productions are gaining recognition that was once reserved for major studio releases.
The expansion of categories to include video games and live-action integration acknowledges animation’s growing influence across entertainment media.
Technical categories highlight how sophisticated modern animation has become, with specialized teams for effects, character animation, and production design all receiving dedicated recognition.
The 53rd Annie Awards ceremony takes place February 21 at UCLA’s Royce Hall, presented by ASIFA-Hollywood, the largest chapter of the international animation organization dedicated to promoting animation art and celebrating its creators.
Lifetime Achievement Honors Go to Animation Legends
Beyond competitive categories, the Annies will present juried awards recognizing extraordinary contributions to animation.
The Windsor McCay Award for lifetime achievement will honor Christopher Miller and Phil Lord, the duo behind The LEGO Movie and Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse.
Also receiving Windsor McCay recognition: animator-writer-director Michaël Dudok de Wit (The Red Turtle) and writer-director Chris Sanders (Lilo & Stitch, How to Train Your Dragon).
Industry Support Recognized Following L.A. Wildfires
The June Foray Award, given for significant impact on the animation community, will go to producer Sandy Rabins.
Rabins led the AnimAID effort, providing crucial support to animation professionals affected by the devastating Los Angeles wildfires.
This recognition highlights the animation community’s commitment to supporting its members during crisis.
Technical Innovation and Community Building Celebrated
Wacom will receive the Ub Iwerks Award for technical achievement.
The company’s Cintiq graphics tablets and related products have become indispensable tools in modern animation production, fundamentally changing how artists create.
The Special Achievement Award goes to LightBox Expo, the annual event connecting animation filmmakers with students, fans, and industry professionals.
LightBox has grown into one of animation’s premier networking and educational events, fostering mentorship and career development.
Student Films Show Next Generation of Talent
The Best Student Film category features work from prestigious animation schools across Europe:
- “A Sparrow’s Song” from Filmakademie Baden-Württemberg
- “Acrobats” from Gobelins
- “Jour de vent” from École des Nouvelles Images
- “The Undying Pain of Existence” from Filmakademie Baden-Württemberg
- “TRASH” from ESMA
French animation schools particularly dominate this category, continuing their reputation for producing world-class animation talent.
Video Games and Live-Action Integration Expand Recognition
The Annies continue acknowledging animation beyond traditional film and TV.
Best Character Animation – Video Game nominees include anticipated titles like Death Stranding 2: On the Beach, Ghost of Yōtei, and South of Midnight.
The Best Character Animation – Live Action category recognizes visual effects work in Captain America: Brave New World, How To Train Your Dragon (the live-action adaptation), and Superman.
Prehistoric Planet: Ice Age from BBC Studios earned multiple nominations, demonstrating how natural history documentaries increasingly rely on cutting-edge animation technology.
Voice Acting Recognition Spans Genres and Platforms
Outstanding voice performances earned nominations across both television and feature categories.
Dan Mintz secured recognition for voicing Tina Belcher in Bob’s Burgers, while Erika Henningsen earned a nod for Charlie Morningstar in Amazon’s Hazbin Hotel.
Feature film voice acting nominees include Arden Cho (KPop Demon Hunters), Remy Edgerly (Elio), and Maitreyi Ramakrishnan (The Twits).
These nominations reflect animation’s ability to attract diverse talent capable of bringing characters to life through vocal performance alone.
What These Nominations Mean for Animation’s Future
The 2026 Annie Awards nominations reveal several industry trends.
Streaming platforms like Netflix continue investing heavily in animated content, with multiple nominations across original films and series.
Traditional studios remain competitive, but independent international productions are gaining recognition that was once reserved for major studio releases.
The expansion of categories to include video games and live-action integration acknowledges animation’s growing influence across entertainment media.
Technical categories highlight how sophisticated modern animation has become, with specialized teams for effects, character animation, and production design all receiving dedicated recognition.
The 53rd Annie Awards ceremony takes place February 21 at UCLA’s Royce Hall, presented by ASIFA-Hollywood, the largest chapter of the international animation organization dedicated to promoting animation art and celebrating its creators.
Lifetime Achievement Honors Go to Animation Legends
Beyond competitive categories, the Annies will present juried awards recognizing extraordinary contributions to animation.
The Windsor McCay Award for lifetime achievement will honor Christopher Miller and Phil Lord, the duo behind The LEGO Movie and Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse.
Also receiving Windsor McCay recognition: animator-writer-director Michaël Dudok de Wit (The Red Turtle) and writer-director Chris Sanders (Lilo & Stitch, How to Train Your Dragon).
Industry Support Recognized Following L.A. Wildfires
The June Foray Award, given for significant impact on the animation community, will go to producer Sandy Rabins.
Rabins led the AnimAID effort, providing crucial support to animation professionals affected by the devastating Los Angeles wildfires.
This recognition highlights the animation community’s commitment to supporting its members during crisis.
Technical Innovation and Community Building Celebrated
Wacom will receive the Ub Iwerks Award for technical achievement.
The company’s Cintiq graphics tablets and related products have become indispensable tools in modern animation production, fundamentally changing how artists create.
The Special Achievement Award goes to LightBox Expo, the annual event connecting animation filmmakers with students, fans, and industry professionals.
LightBox has grown into one of animation’s premier networking and educational events, fostering mentorship and career development.
Student Films Show Next Generation of Talent
The Best Student Film category features work from prestigious animation schools across Europe:
- “A Sparrow’s Song” from Filmakademie Baden-Württemberg
- “Acrobats” from Gobelins
- “Jour de vent” from École des Nouvelles Images
- “The Undying Pain of Existence” from Filmakademie Baden-Württemberg
- “TRASH” from ESMA
French animation schools particularly dominate this category, continuing their reputation for producing world-class animation talent.
Video Games and Live-Action Integration Expand Recognition
The Annies continue acknowledging animation beyond traditional film and TV.
Best Character Animation – Video Game nominees include anticipated titles like Death Stranding 2: On the Beach, Ghost of Yōtei, and South of Midnight.
The Best Character Animation – Live Action category recognizes visual effects work in Captain America: Brave New World, How To Train Your Dragon (the live-action adaptation), and Superman.
Prehistoric Planet: Ice Age from BBC Studios earned multiple nominations, demonstrating how natural history documentaries increasingly rely on cutting-edge animation technology.
Voice Acting Recognition Spans Genres and Platforms
Outstanding voice performances earned nominations across both television and feature categories.
Dan Mintz secured recognition for voicing Tina Belcher in Bob’s Burgers, while Erika Henningsen earned a nod for Charlie Morningstar in Amazon’s Hazbin Hotel.
Feature film voice acting nominees include Arden Cho (KPop Demon Hunters), Remy Edgerly (Elio), and Maitreyi Ramakrishnan (The Twits).
These nominations reflect animation’s ability to attract diverse talent capable of bringing characters to life through vocal performance alone.
What These Nominations Mean for Animation’s Future
The 2026 Annie Awards nominations reveal several industry trends.
Streaming platforms like Netflix continue investing heavily in animated content, with multiple nominations across original films and series.
Traditional studios remain competitive, but independent international productions are gaining recognition that was once reserved for major studio releases.
The expansion of categories to include video games and live-action integration acknowledges animation’s growing influence across entertainment media.
Technical categories highlight how sophisticated modern animation has become, with specialized teams for effects, character animation, and production design all receiving dedicated recognition.
The 53rd Annie Awards ceremony takes place February 21 at UCLA’s Royce Hall, presented by ASIFA-Hollywood, the largest chapter of the international animation organization dedicated to promoting animation art and celebrating its creators.
Apple continues investing in animated specials, with Snoopy Presents: A Summer Musical earning recognition for both the special itself and its music.
Lifetime Achievement Honors Go to Animation Legends
Beyond competitive categories, the Annies will present juried awards recognizing extraordinary contributions to animation.
The Windsor McCay Award for lifetime achievement will honor Christopher Miller and Phil Lord, the duo behind The LEGO Movie and Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse.
Also receiving Windsor McCay recognition: animator-writer-director Michaël Dudok de Wit (The Red Turtle) and writer-director Chris Sanders (Lilo & Stitch, How to Train Your Dragon).
Industry Support Recognized Following L.A. Wildfires
The June Foray Award, given for significant impact on the animation community, will go to producer Sandy Rabins.
Rabins led the AnimAID effort, providing crucial support to animation professionals affected by the devastating Los Angeles wildfires.
This recognition highlights the animation community’s commitment to supporting its members during crisis.
Technical Innovation and Community Building Celebrated
Wacom will receive the Ub Iwerks Award for technical achievement.
The company’s Cintiq graphics tablets and related products have become indispensable tools in modern animation production, fundamentally changing how artists create.
The Special Achievement Award goes to LightBox Expo, the annual event connecting animation filmmakers with students, fans, and industry professionals.
LightBox has grown into one of animation’s premier networking and educational events, fostering mentorship and career development.
Student Films Show Next Generation of Talent
The Best Student Film category features work from prestigious animation schools across Europe:
- “A Sparrow’s Song” from Filmakademie Baden-Württemberg
- “Acrobats” from Gobelins
- “Jour de vent” from École des Nouvelles Images
- “The Undying Pain of Existence” from Filmakademie Baden-Württemberg
- “TRASH” from ESMA
French animation schools particularly dominate this category, continuing their reputation for producing world-class animation talent.
Video Games and Live-Action Integration Expand Recognition
The Annies continue acknowledging animation beyond traditional film and TV.
Best Character Animation – Video Game nominees include anticipated titles like Death Stranding 2: On the Beach, Ghost of Yōtei, and South of Midnight.
The Best Character Animation – Live Action category recognizes visual effects work in Captain America: Brave New World, How To Train Your Dragon (the live-action adaptation), and Superman.
Prehistoric Planet: Ice Age from BBC Studios earned multiple nominations, demonstrating how natural history documentaries increasingly rely on cutting-edge animation technology.
Voice Acting Recognition Spans Genres and Platforms
Outstanding voice performances earned nominations across both television and feature categories.
Dan Mintz secured recognition for voicing Tina Belcher in Bob’s Burgers, while Erika Henningsen earned a nod for Charlie Morningstar in Amazon’s Hazbin Hotel.
Feature film voice acting nominees include Arden Cho (KPop Demon Hunters), Remy Edgerly (Elio), and Maitreyi Ramakrishnan (The Twits).
These nominations reflect animation’s ability to attract diverse talent capable of bringing characters to life through vocal performance alone.
What These Nominations Mean for Animation’s Future
The 2026 Annie Awards nominations reveal several industry trends.
Streaming platforms like Netflix continue investing heavily in animated content, with multiple nominations across original films and series.
Traditional studios remain competitive, but independent international productions are gaining recognition that was once reserved for major studio releases.
The expansion of categories to include video games and live-action integration acknowledges animation’s growing influence across entertainment media.
Technical categories highlight how sophisticated modern animation has become, with specialized teams for effects, character animation, and production design all receiving dedicated recognition.
The 53rd Annie Awards ceremony takes place February 21 at UCLA’s Royce Hall, presented by ASIFA-Hollywood, the largest chapter of the international animation organization dedicated to promoting animation art and celebrating its creators.
Apple continues investing in animated specials, with Snoopy Presents: A Summer Musical earning recognition for both the special itself and its music.
Lifetime Achievement Honors Go to Animation Legends
Beyond competitive categories, the Annies will present juried awards recognizing extraordinary contributions to animation.
The Windsor McCay Award for lifetime achievement will honor Christopher Miller and Phil Lord, the duo behind The LEGO Movie and Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse.
Also receiving Windsor McCay recognition: animator-writer-director Michaël Dudok de Wit (The Red Turtle) and writer-director Chris Sanders (Lilo & Stitch, How to Train Your Dragon).
Industry Support Recognized Following L.A. Wildfires
The June Foray Award, given for significant impact on the animation community, will go to producer Sandy Rabins.
Rabins led the AnimAID effort, providing crucial support to animation professionals affected by the devastating Los Angeles wildfires.
This recognition highlights the animation community’s commitment to supporting its members during crisis.
Technical Innovation and Community Building Celebrated
Wacom will receive the Ub Iwerks Award for technical achievement.
The company’s Cintiq graphics tablets and related products have become indispensable tools in modern animation production, fundamentally changing how artists create.
The Special Achievement Award goes to LightBox Expo, the annual event connecting animation filmmakers with students, fans, and industry professionals.
LightBox has grown into one of animation’s premier networking and educational events, fostering mentorship and career development.
Student Films Show Next Generation of Talent
The Best Student Film category features work from prestigious animation schools across Europe:
- “A Sparrow’s Song” from Filmakademie Baden-Württemberg
- “Acrobats” from Gobelins
- “Jour de vent” from École des Nouvelles Images
- “The Undying Pain of Existence” from Filmakademie Baden-Württemberg
- “TRASH” from ESMA
French animation schools particularly dominate this category, continuing their reputation for producing world-class animation talent.
Video Games and Live-Action Integration Expand Recognition
The Annies continue acknowledging animation beyond traditional film and TV.
Best Character Animation – Video Game nominees include anticipated titles like Death Stranding 2: On the Beach, Ghost of Yōtei, and South of Midnight.
The Best Character Animation – Live Action category recognizes visual effects work in Captain America: Brave New World, How To Train Your Dragon (the live-action adaptation), and Superman.
Prehistoric Planet: Ice Age from BBC Studios earned multiple nominations, demonstrating how natural history documentaries increasingly rely on cutting-edge animation technology.
Voice Acting Recognition Spans Genres and Platforms
Outstanding voice performances earned nominations across both television and feature categories.
Dan Mintz secured recognition for voicing Tina Belcher in Bob’s Burgers, while Erika Henningsen earned a nod for Charlie Morningstar in Amazon’s Hazbin Hotel.
Feature film voice acting nominees include Arden Cho (KPop Demon Hunters), Remy Edgerly (Elio), and Maitreyi Ramakrishnan (The Twits).
These nominations reflect animation’s ability to attract diverse talent capable of bringing characters to life through vocal performance alone.
What These Nominations Mean for Animation’s Future
The 2026 Annie Awards nominations reveal several industry trends.
Streaming platforms like Netflix continue investing heavily in animated content, with multiple nominations across original films and series.
Traditional studios remain competitive, but independent international productions are gaining recognition that was once reserved for major studio releases.
The expansion of categories to include video games and live-action integration acknowledges animation’s growing influence across entertainment media.
Technical categories highlight how sophisticated modern animation has become, with specialized teams for effects, character animation, and production design all receiving dedicated recognition.
The 53rd Annie Awards ceremony takes place February 21 at UCLA’s Royce Hall, presented by ASIFA-Hollywood, the largest chapter of the international animation organization dedicated to promoting animation art and celebrating its creators.
The Best Special Production category features holiday programming and experimental work:
- A Loud House Christmas Movie: Naughty or Nice
- Adult Swim’s The Elephant
- Snoopy Presents: A Summer Musical
- The Night Before Christmas in Wonderland
- Not Just a Goof
Apple continues investing in animated specials, with Snoopy Presents: A Summer Musical earning recognition for both the special itself and its music.
Lifetime Achievement Honors Go to Animation Legends
Beyond competitive categories, the Annies will present juried awards recognizing extraordinary contributions to animation.
The Windsor McCay Award for lifetime achievement will honor Christopher Miller and Phil Lord, the duo behind The LEGO Movie and Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse.
Also receiving Windsor McCay recognition: animator-writer-director Michaël Dudok de Wit (The Red Turtle) and writer-director Chris Sanders (Lilo & Stitch, How to Train Your Dragon).
Industry Support Recognized Following L.A. Wildfires
The June Foray Award, given for significant impact on the animation community, will go to producer Sandy Rabins.
Rabins led the AnimAID effort, providing crucial support to animation professionals affected by the devastating Los Angeles wildfires.
This recognition highlights the animation community’s commitment to supporting its members during crisis.
Technical Innovation and Community Building Celebrated
Wacom will receive the Ub Iwerks Award for technical achievement.
The company’s Cintiq graphics tablets and related products have become indispensable tools in modern animation production, fundamentally changing how artists create.
The Special Achievement Award goes to LightBox Expo, the annual event connecting animation filmmakers with students, fans, and industry professionals.
LightBox has grown into one of animation’s premier networking and educational events, fostering mentorship and career development.
Student Films Show Next Generation of Talent
The Best Student Film category features work from prestigious animation schools across Europe:
- “A Sparrow’s Song” from Filmakademie Baden-Württemberg
- “Acrobats” from Gobelins
- “Jour de vent” from École des Nouvelles Images
- “The Undying Pain of Existence” from Filmakademie Baden-Württemberg
- “TRASH” from ESMA
French animation schools particularly dominate this category, continuing their reputation for producing world-class animation talent.
Video Games and Live-Action Integration Expand Recognition
The Annies continue acknowledging animation beyond traditional film and TV.
Best Character Animation – Video Game nominees include anticipated titles like Death Stranding 2: On the Beach, Ghost of Yōtei, and South of Midnight.
The Best Character Animation – Live Action category recognizes visual effects work in Captain America: Brave New World, How To Train Your Dragon (the live-action adaptation), and Superman.
Prehistoric Planet: Ice Age from BBC Studios earned multiple nominations, demonstrating how natural history documentaries increasingly rely on cutting-edge animation technology.
Voice Acting Recognition Spans Genres and Platforms
Outstanding voice performances earned nominations across both television and feature categories.
Dan Mintz secured recognition for voicing Tina Belcher in Bob’s Burgers, while Erika Henningsen earned a nod for Charlie Morningstar in Amazon’s Hazbin Hotel.
Feature film voice acting nominees include Arden Cho (KPop Demon Hunters), Remy Edgerly (Elio), and Maitreyi Ramakrishnan (The Twits).
These nominations reflect animation’s ability to attract diverse talent capable of bringing characters to life through vocal performance alone.
What These Nominations Mean for Animation’s Future
The 2026 Annie Awards nominations reveal several industry trends.
Streaming platforms like Netflix continue investing heavily in animated content, with multiple nominations across original films and series.
Traditional studios remain competitive, but independent international productions are gaining recognition that was once reserved for major studio releases.
The expansion of categories to include video games and live-action integration acknowledges animation’s growing influence across entertainment media.
Technical categories highlight how sophisticated modern animation has become, with specialized teams for effects, character animation, and production design all receiving dedicated recognition.
The 53rd Annie Awards ceremony takes place February 21 at UCLA’s Royce Hall, presented by ASIFA-Hollywood, the largest chapter of the international animation organization dedicated to promoting animation art and celebrating its creators.
The Best Special Production category features holiday programming and experimental work:
- A Loud House Christmas Movie: Naughty or Nice
- Adult Swim’s The Elephant
- Snoopy Presents: A Summer Musical
- The Night Before Christmas in Wonderland
- Not Just a Goof
Apple continues investing in animated specials, with Snoopy Presents: A Summer Musical earning recognition for both the special itself and its music.
Lifetime Achievement Honors Go to Animation Legends
Beyond competitive categories, the Annies will present juried awards recognizing extraordinary contributions to animation.
The Windsor McCay Award for lifetime achievement will honor Christopher Miller and Phil Lord, the duo behind The LEGO Movie and Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse.
Also receiving Windsor McCay recognition: animator-writer-director Michaël Dudok de Wit (The Red Turtle) and writer-director Chris Sanders (Lilo & Stitch, How to Train Your Dragon).
Industry Support Recognized Following L.A. Wildfires
The June Foray Award, given for significant impact on the animation community, will go to producer Sandy Rabins.
Rabins led the AnimAID effort, providing crucial support to animation professionals affected by the devastating Los Angeles wildfires.
This recognition highlights the animation community’s commitment to supporting its members during crisis.
Technical Innovation and Community Building Celebrated
Wacom will receive the Ub Iwerks Award for technical achievement.
The company’s Cintiq graphics tablets and related products have become indispensable tools in modern animation production, fundamentally changing how artists create.
The Special Achievement Award goes to LightBox Expo, the annual event connecting animation filmmakers with students, fans, and industry professionals.
LightBox has grown into one of animation’s premier networking and educational events, fostering mentorship and career development.
Student Films Show Next Generation of Talent
The Best Student Film category features work from prestigious animation schools across Europe:
- “A Sparrow’s Song” from Filmakademie Baden-Württemberg
- “Acrobats” from Gobelins
- “Jour de vent” from École des Nouvelles Images
- “The Undying Pain of Existence” from Filmakademie Baden-Württemberg
- “TRASH” from ESMA
French animation schools particularly dominate this category, continuing their reputation for producing world-class animation talent.
Video Games and Live-Action Integration Expand Recognition
The Annies continue acknowledging animation beyond traditional film and TV.
Best Character Animation – Video Game nominees include anticipated titles like Death Stranding 2: On the Beach, Ghost of Yōtei, and South of Midnight.
The Best Character Animation – Live Action category recognizes visual effects work in Captain America: Brave New World, How To Train Your Dragon (the live-action adaptation), and Superman.
Prehistoric Planet: Ice Age from BBC Studios earned multiple nominations, demonstrating how natural history documentaries increasingly rely on cutting-edge animation technology.
Voice Acting Recognition Spans Genres and Platforms
Outstanding voice performances earned nominations across both television and feature categories.
Dan Mintz secured recognition for voicing Tina Belcher in Bob’s Burgers, while Erika Henningsen earned a nod for Charlie Morningstar in Amazon’s Hazbin Hotel.
Feature film voice acting nominees include Arden Cho (KPop Demon Hunters), Remy Edgerly (Elio), and Maitreyi Ramakrishnan (The Twits).
These nominations reflect animation’s ability to attract diverse talent capable of bringing characters to life through vocal performance alone.
What These Nominations Mean for Animation’s Future
The 2026 Annie Awards nominations reveal several industry trends.
Streaming platforms like Netflix continue investing heavily in animated content, with multiple nominations across original films and series.
Traditional studios remain competitive, but independent international productions are gaining recognition that was once reserved for major studio releases.
The expansion of categories to include video games and live-action integration acknowledges animation’s growing influence across entertainment media.
Technical categories highlight how sophisticated modern animation has become, with specialized teams for effects, character animation, and production design all receiving dedicated recognition.
The 53rd Annie Awards ceremony takes place February 21 at UCLA’s Royce Hall, presented by ASIFA-Hollywood, the largest chapter of the international animation organization dedicated to promoting animation art and celebrating its creators.
Prestige Projects Dominate Special Production
The Best Special Production category features holiday programming and experimental work:
- A Loud House Christmas Movie: Naughty or Nice
- Adult Swim’s The Elephant
- Snoopy Presents: A Summer Musical
- The Night Before Christmas in Wonderland
- Not Just a Goof
Apple continues investing in animated specials, with Snoopy Presents: A Summer Musical earning recognition for both the special itself and its music.
Lifetime Achievement Honors Go to Animation Legends
Beyond competitive categories, the Annies will present juried awards recognizing extraordinary contributions to animation.
The Windsor McCay Award for lifetime achievement will honor Christopher Miller and Phil Lord, the duo behind The LEGO Movie and Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse.
Also receiving Windsor McCay recognition: animator-writer-director Michaël Dudok de Wit (The Red Turtle) and writer-director Chris Sanders (Lilo & Stitch, How to Train Your Dragon).
Industry Support Recognized Following L.A. Wildfires
The June Foray Award, given for significant impact on the animation community, will go to producer Sandy Rabins.
Rabins led the AnimAID effort, providing crucial support to animation professionals affected by the devastating Los Angeles wildfires.
This recognition highlights the animation community’s commitment to supporting its members during crisis.
Technical Innovation and Community Building Celebrated
Wacom will receive the Ub Iwerks Award for technical achievement.
The company’s Cintiq graphics tablets and related products have become indispensable tools in modern animation production, fundamentally changing how artists create.
The Special Achievement Award goes to LightBox Expo, the annual event connecting animation filmmakers with students, fans, and industry professionals.
LightBox has grown into one of animation’s premier networking and educational events, fostering mentorship and career development.
Student Films Show Next Generation of Talent
The Best Student Film category features work from prestigious animation schools across Europe:
- “A Sparrow’s Song” from Filmakademie Baden-Württemberg
- “Acrobats” from Gobelins
- “Jour de vent” from École des Nouvelles Images
- “The Undying Pain of Existence” from Filmakademie Baden-Württemberg
- “TRASH” from ESMA
French animation schools particularly dominate this category, continuing their reputation for producing world-class animation talent.
Video Games and Live-Action Integration Expand Recognition
The Annies continue acknowledging animation beyond traditional film and TV.
Best Character Animation – Video Game nominees include anticipated titles like Death Stranding 2: On the Beach, Ghost of Yōtei, and South of Midnight.
The Best Character Animation – Live Action category recognizes visual effects work in Captain America: Brave New World, How To Train Your Dragon (the live-action adaptation), and Superman.
Prehistoric Planet: Ice Age from BBC Studios earned multiple nominations, demonstrating how natural history documentaries increasingly rely on cutting-edge animation technology.
Voice Acting Recognition Spans Genres and Platforms
Outstanding voice performances earned nominations across both television and feature categories.
Dan Mintz secured recognition for voicing Tina Belcher in Bob’s Burgers, while Erika Henningsen earned a nod for Charlie Morningstar in Amazon’s Hazbin Hotel.
Feature film voice acting nominees include Arden Cho (KPop Demon Hunters), Remy Edgerly (Elio), and Maitreyi Ramakrishnan (The Twits).
These nominations reflect animation’s ability to attract diverse talent capable of bringing characters to life through vocal performance alone.
What These Nominations Mean for Animation’s Future
The 2026 Annie Awards nominations reveal several industry trends.
Streaming platforms like Netflix continue investing heavily in animated content, with multiple nominations across original films and series.
Traditional studios remain competitive, but independent international productions are gaining recognition that was once reserved for major studio releases.
The expansion of categories to include video games and live-action integration acknowledges animation’s growing influence across entertainment media.
Technical categories highlight how sophisticated modern animation has become, with specialized teams for effects, character animation, and production design all receiving dedicated recognition.
The 53rd Annie Awards ceremony takes place February 21 at UCLA’s Royce Hall, presented by ASIFA-Hollywood, the largest chapter of the international animation organization dedicated to promoting animation art and celebrating its creators.
Prestige Projects Dominate Special Production
The Best Special Production category features holiday programming and experimental work:
- A Loud House Christmas Movie: Naughty or Nice
- Adult Swim’s The Elephant
- Snoopy Presents: A Summer Musical
- The Night Before Christmas in Wonderland
- Not Just a Goof
Apple continues investing in animated specials, with Snoopy Presents: A Summer Musical earning recognition for both the special itself and its music.
Lifetime Achievement Honors Go to Animation Legends
Beyond competitive categories, the Annies will present juried awards recognizing extraordinary contributions to animation.
The Windsor McCay Award for lifetime achievement will honor Christopher Miller and Phil Lord, the duo behind The LEGO Movie and Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse.
Also receiving Windsor McCay recognition: animator-writer-director Michaël Dudok de Wit (The Red Turtle) and writer-director Chris Sanders (Lilo & Stitch, How to Train Your Dragon).
Industry Support Recognized Following L.A. Wildfires
The June Foray Award, given for significant impact on the animation community, will go to producer Sandy Rabins.
Rabins led the AnimAID effort, providing crucial support to animation professionals affected by the devastating Los Angeles wildfires.
This recognition highlights the animation community’s commitment to supporting its members during crisis.
Technical Innovation and Community Building Celebrated
Wacom will receive the Ub Iwerks Award for technical achievement.
The company’s Cintiq graphics tablets and related products have become indispensable tools in modern animation production, fundamentally changing how artists create.
The Special Achievement Award goes to LightBox Expo, the annual event connecting animation filmmakers with students, fans, and industry professionals.
LightBox has grown into one of animation’s premier networking and educational events, fostering mentorship and career development.
Student Films Show Next Generation of Talent
The Best Student Film category features work from prestigious animation schools across Europe:
- “A Sparrow’s Song” from Filmakademie Baden-Württemberg
- “Acrobats” from Gobelins
- “Jour de vent” from École des Nouvelles Images
- “The Undying Pain of Existence” from Filmakademie Baden-Württemberg
- “TRASH” from ESMA
French animation schools particularly dominate this category, continuing their reputation for producing world-class animation talent.
Video Games and Live-Action Integration Expand Recognition
The Annies continue acknowledging animation beyond traditional film and TV.
Best Character Animation – Video Game nominees include anticipated titles like Death Stranding 2: On the Beach, Ghost of Yōtei, and South of Midnight.
The Best Character Animation – Live Action category recognizes visual effects work in Captain America: Brave New World, How To Train Your Dragon (the live-action adaptation), and Superman.
Prehistoric Planet: Ice Age from BBC Studios earned multiple nominations, demonstrating how natural history documentaries increasingly rely on cutting-edge animation technology.
Voice Acting Recognition Spans Genres and Platforms
Outstanding voice performances earned nominations across both television and feature categories.
Dan Mintz secured recognition for voicing Tina Belcher in Bob’s Burgers, while Erika Henningsen earned a nod for Charlie Morningstar in Amazon’s Hazbin Hotel.
Feature film voice acting nominees include Arden Cho (KPop Demon Hunters), Remy Edgerly (Elio), and Maitreyi Ramakrishnan (The Twits).
These nominations reflect animation’s ability to attract diverse talent capable of bringing characters to life through vocal performance alone.
What These Nominations Mean for Animation’s Future
The 2026 Annie Awards nominations reveal several industry trends.
Streaming platforms like Netflix continue investing heavily in animated content, with multiple nominations across original films and series.
Traditional studios remain competitive, but independent international productions are gaining recognition that was once reserved for major studio releases.
The expansion of categories to include video games and live-action integration acknowledges animation’s growing influence across entertainment media.
Technical categories highlight how sophisticated modern animation has become, with specialized teams for effects, character animation, and production design all receiving dedicated recognition.
The 53rd Annie Awards ceremony takes place February 21 at UCLA’s Royce Hall, presented by ASIFA-Hollywood, the largest chapter of the international animation organization dedicated to promoting animation art and celebrating its creators.
Asterix & Obelix: The Big Fight from Netflix secured five nominations, while Adult Swim’s Common Side Effects emerged as a mature animation contender with multiple nods across writing, direction, and editorial categories.
Prestige Projects Dominate Special Production
The Best Special Production category features holiday programming and experimental work:
- A Loud House Christmas Movie: Naughty or Nice
- Adult Swim’s The Elephant
- Snoopy Presents: A Summer Musical
- The Night Before Christmas in Wonderland
- Not Just a Goof
Apple continues investing in animated specials, with Snoopy Presents: A Summer Musical earning recognition for both the special itself and its music.
Lifetime Achievement Honors Go to Animation Legends
Beyond competitive categories, the Annies will present juried awards recognizing extraordinary contributions to animation.
The Windsor McCay Award for lifetime achievement will honor Christopher Miller and Phil Lord, the duo behind The LEGO Movie and Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse.
Also receiving Windsor McCay recognition: animator-writer-director Michaël Dudok de Wit (The Red Turtle) and writer-director Chris Sanders (Lilo & Stitch, How to Train Your Dragon).
Industry Support Recognized Following L.A. Wildfires
The June Foray Award, given for significant impact on the animation community, will go to producer Sandy Rabins.
Rabins led the AnimAID effort, providing crucial support to animation professionals affected by the devastating Los Angeles wildfires.
This recognition highlights the animation community’s commitment to supporting its members during crisis.
Technical Innovation and Community Building Celebrated
Wacom will receive the Ub Iwerks Award for technical achievement.
The company’s Cintiq graphics tablets and related products have become indispensable tools in modern animation production, fundamentally changing how artists create.
The Special Achievement Award goes to LightBox Expo, the annual event connecting animation filmmakers with students, fans, and industry professionals.
LightBox has grown into one of animation’s premier networking and educational events, fostering mentorship and career development.
Student Films Show Next Generation of Talent
The Best Student Film category features work from prestigious animation schools across Europe:
- “A Sparrow’s Song” from Filmakademie Baden-Württemberg
- “Acrobats” from Gobelins
- “Jour de vent” from École des Nouvelles Images
- “The Undying Pain of Existence” from Filmakademie Baden-Württemberg
- “TRASH” from ESMA
French animation schools particularly dominate this category, continuing their reputation for producing world-class animation talent.
Video Games and Live-Action Integration Expand Recognition
The Annies continue acknowledging animation beyond traditional film and TV.
Best Character Animation – Video Game nominees include anticipated titles like Death Stranding 2: On the Beach, Ghost of Yōtei, and South of Midnight.
The Best Character Animation – Live Action category recognizes visual effects work in Captain America: Brave New World, How To Train Your Dragon (the live-action adaptation), and Superman.
Prehistoric Planet: Ice Age from BBC Studios earned multiple nominations, demonstrating how natural history documentaries increasingly rely on cutting-edge animation technology.
Voice Acting Recognition Spans Genres and Platforms
Outstanding voice performances earned nominations across both television and feature categories.
Dan Mintz secured recognition for voicing Tina Belcher in Bob’s Burgers, while Erika Henningsen earned a nod for Charlie Morningstar in Amazon’s Hazbin Hotel.
Feature film voice acting nominees include Arden Cho (KPop Demon Hunters), Remy Edgerly (Elio), and Maitreyi Ramakrishnan (The Twits).
These nominations reflect animation’s ability to attract diverse talent capable of bringing characters to life through vocal performance alone.
What These Nominations Mean for Animation’s Future
The 2026 Annie Awards nominations reveal several industry trends.
Streaming platforms like Netflix continue investing heavily in animated content, with multiple nominations across original films and series.
Traditional studios remain competitive, but independent international productions are gaining recognition that was once reserved for major studio releases.
The expansion of categories to include video games and live-action integration acknowledges animation’s growing influence across entertainment media.
Technical categories highlight how sophisticated modern animation has become, with specialized teams for effects, character animation, and production design all receiving dedicated recognition.
The 53rd Annie Awards ceremony takes place February 21 at UCLA’s Royce Hall, presented by ASIFA-Hollywood, the largest chapter of the international animation organization dedicated to promoting animation art and celebrating its creators.
Asterix & Obelix: The Big Fight from Netflix secured five nominations, while Adult Swim’s Common Side Effects emerged as a mature animation contender with multiple nods across writing, direction, and editorial categories.
Prestige Projects Dominate Special Production
The Best Special Production category features holiday programming and experimental work:
- A Loud House Christmas Movie: Naughty or Nice
- Adult Swim’s The Elephant
- Snoopy Presents: A Summer Musical
- The Night Before Christmas in Wonderland
- Not Just a Goof
Apple continues investing in animated specials, with Snoopy Presents: A Summer Musical earning recognition for both the special itself and its music.
Lifetime Achievement Honors Go to Animation Legends
Beyond competitive categories, the Annies will present juried awards recognizing extraordinary contributions to animation.
The Windsor McCay Award for lifetime achievement will honor Christopher Miller and Phil Lord, the duo behind The LEGO Movie and Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse.
Also receiving Windsor McCay recognition: animator-writer-director Michaël Dudok de Wit (The Red Turtle) and writer-director Chris Sanders (Lilo & Stitch, How to Train Your Dragon).
Industry Support Recognized Following L.A. Wildfires
The June Foray Award, given for significant impact on the animation community, will go to producer Sandy Rabins.
Rabins led the AnimAID effort, providing crucial support to animation professionals affected by the devastating Los Angeles wildfires.
This recognition highlights the animation community’s commitment to supporting its members during crisis.
Technical Innovation and Community Building Celebrated
Wacom will receive the Ub Iwerks Award for technical achievement.
The company’s Cintiq graphics tablets and related products have become indispensable tools in modern animation production, fundamentally changing how artists create.
The Special Achievement Award goes to LightBox Expo, the annual event connecting animation filmmakers with students, fans, and industry professionals.
LightBox has grown into one of animation’s premier networking and educational events, fostering mentorship and career development.
Student Films Show Next Generation of Talent
The Best Student Film category features work from prestigious animation schools across Europe:
- “A Sparrow’s Song” from Filmakademie Baden-Württemberg
- “Acrobats” from Gobelins
- “Jour de vent” from École des Nouvelles Images
- “The Undying Pain of Existence” from Filmakademie Baden-Württemberg
- “TRASH” from ESMA
French animation schools particularly dominate this category, continuing their reputation for producing world-class animation talent.
Video Games and Live-Action Integration Expand Recognition
The Annies continue acknowledging animation beyond traditional film and TV.
Best Character Animation – Video Game nominees include anticipated titles like Death Stranding 2: On the Beach, Ghost of Yōtei, and South of Midnight.
The Best Character Animation – Live Action category recognizes visual effects work in Captain America: Brave New World, How To Train Your Dragon (the live-action adaptation), and Superman.
Prehistoric Planet: Ice Age from BBC Studios earned multiple nominations, demonstrating how natural history documentaries increasingly rely on cutting-edge animation technology.
Voice Acting Recognition Spans Genres and Platforms
Outstanding voice performances earned nominations across both television and feature categories.
Dan Mintz secured recognition for voicing Tina Belcher in Bob’s Burgers, while Erika Henningsen earned a nod for Charlie Morningstar in Amazon’s Hazbin Hotel.
Feature film voice acting nominees include Arden Cho (KPop Demon Hunters), Remy Edgerly (Elio), and Maitreyi Ramakrishnan (The Twits).
These nominations reflect animation’s ability to attract diverse talent capable of bringing characters to life through vocal performance alone.
What These Nominations Mean for Animation’s Future
The 2026 Annie Awards nominations reveal several industry trends.
Streaming platforms like Netflix continue investing heavily in animated content, with multiple nominations across original films and series.
Traditional studios remain competitive, but independent international productions are gaining recognition that was once reserved for major studio releases.
The expansion of categories to include video games and live-action integration acknowledges animation’s growing influence across entertainment media.
Technical categories highlight how sophisticated modern animation has become, with specialized teams for effects, character animation, and production design all receiving dedicated recognition.
The 53rd Annie Awards ceremony takes place February 21 at UCLA’s Royce Hall, presented by ASIFA-Hollywood, the largest chapter of the international animation organization dedicated to promoting animation art and celebrating its creators.
The limited series explores multiple perspectives around a middle school softball team, demonstrating Pixar’s signature emotional depth in serialized format.
Asterix & Obelix: The Big Fight from Netflix secured five nominations, while Adult Swim’s Common Side Effects emerged as a mature animation contender with multiple nods across writing, direction, and editorial categories.
Prestige Projects Dominate Special Production
The Best Special Production category features holiday programming and experimental work:
- A Loud House Christmas Movie: Naughty or Nice
- Adult Swim’s The Elephant
- Snoopy Presents: A Summer Musical
- The Night Before Christmas in Wonderland
- Not Just a Goof
Apple continues investing in animated specials, with Snoopy Presents: A Summer Musical earning recognition for both the special itself and its music.
Lifetime Achievement Honors Go to Animation Legends
Beyond competitive categories, the Annies will present juried awards recognizing extraordinary contributions to animation.
The Windsor McCay Award for lifetime achievement will honor Christopher Miller and Phil Lord, the duo behind The LEGO Movie and Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse.
Also receiving Windsor McCay recognition: animator-writer-director Michaël Dudok de Wit (The Red Turtle) and writer-director Chris Sanders (Lilo & Stitch, How to Train Your Dragon).
Industry Support Recognized Following L.A. Wildfires
The June Foray Award, given for significant impact on the animation community, will go to producer Sandy Rabins.
Rabins led the AnimAID effort, providing crucial support to animation professionals affected by the devastating Los Angeles wildfires.
This recognition highlights the animation community’s commitment to supporting its members during crisis.
Technical Innovation and Community Building Celebrated
Wacom will receive the Ub Iwerks Award for technical achievement.
The company’s Cintiq graphics tablets and related products have become indispensable tools in modern animation production, fundamentally changing how artists create.
The Special Achievement Award goes to LightBox Expo, the annual event connecting animation filmmakers with students, fans, and industry professionals.
LightBox has grown into one of animation’s premier networking and educational events, fostering mentorship and career development.
Student Films Show Next Generation of Talent
The Best Student Film category features work from prestigious animation schools across Europe:
- “A Sparrow’s Song” from Filmakademie Baden-Württemberg
- “Acrobats” from Gobelins
- “Jour de vent” from École des Nouvelles Images
- “The Undying Pain of Existence” from Filmakademie Baden-Württemberg
- “TRASH” from ESMA
French animation schools particularly dominate this category, continuing their reputation for producing world-class animation talent.
Video Games and Live-Action Integration Expand Recognition
The Annies continue acknowledging animation beyond traditional film and TV.
Best Character Animation – Video Game nominees include anticipated titles like Death Stranding 2: On the Beach, Ghost of Yōtei, and South of Midnight.
The Best Character Animation – Live Action category recognizes visual effects work in Captain America: Brave New World, How To Train Your Dragon (the live-action adaptation), and Superman.
Prehistoric Planet: Ice Age from BBC Studios earned multiple nominations, demonstrating how natural history documentaries increasingly rely on cutting-edge animation technology.
Voice Acting Recognition Spans Genres and Platforms
Outstanding voice performances earned nominations across both television and feature categories.
Dan Mintz secured recognition for voicing Tina Belcher in Bob’s Burgers, while Erika Henningsen earned a nod for Charlie Morningstar in Amazon’s Hazbin Hotel.
Feature film voice acting nominees include Arden Cho (KPop Demon Hunters), Remy Edgerly (Elio), and Maitreyi Ramakrishnan (The Twits).
These nominations reflect animation’s ability to attract diverse talent capable of bringing characters to life through vocal performance alone.
What These Nominations Mean for Animation’s Future
The 2026 Annie Awards nominations reveal several industry trends.
Streaming platforms like Netflix continue investing heavily in animated content, with multiple nominations across original films and series.
Traditional studios remain competitive, but independent international productions are gaining recognition that was once reserved for major studio releases.
The expansion of categories to include video games and live-action integration acknowledges animation’s growing influence across entertainment media.
Technical categories highlight how sophisticated modern animation has become, with specialized teams for effects, character animation, and production design all receiving dedicated recognition.
The 53rd Annie Awards ceremony takes place February 21 at UCLA’s Royce Hall, presented by ASIFA-Hollywood, the largest chapter of the international animation organization dedicated to promoting animation art and celebrating its creators.
The limited series explores multiple perspectives around a middle school softball team, demonstrating Pixar’s signature emotional depth in serialized format.
Asterix & Obelix: The Big Fight from Netflix secured five nominations, while Adult Swim’s Common Side Effects emerged as a mature animation contender with multiple nods across writing, direction, and editorial categories.
Prestige Projects Dominate Special Production
The Best Special Production category features holiday programming and experimental work:
- A Loud House Christmas Movie: Naughty or Nice
- Adult Swim’s The Elephant
- Snoopy Presents: A Summer Musical
- The Night Before Christmas in Wonderland
- Not Just a Goof
Apple continues investing in animated specials, with Snoopy Presents: A Summer Musical earning recognition for both the special itself and its music.
Lifetime Achievement Honors Go to Animation Legends
Beyond competitive categories, the Annies will present juried awards recognizing extraordinary contributions to animation.
The Windsor McCay Award for lifetime achievement will honor Christopher Miller and Phil Lord, the duo behind The LEGO Movie and Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse.
Also receiving Windsor McCay recognition: animator-writer-director Michaël Dudok de Wit (The Red Turtle) and writer-director Chris Sanders (Lilo & Stitch, How to Train Your Dragon).
Industry Support Recognized Following L.A. Wildfires
The June Foray Award, given for significant impact on the animation community, will go to producer Sandy Rabins.
Rabins led the AnimAID effort, providing crucial support to animation professionals affected by the devastating Los Angeles wildfires.
This recognition highlights the animation community’s commitment to supporting its members during crisis.
Technical Innovation and Community Building Celebrated
Wacom will receive the Ub Iwerks Award for technical achievement.
The company’s Cintiq graphics tablets and related products have become indispensable tools in modern animation production, fundamentally changing how artists create.
The Special Achievement Award goes to LightBox Expo, the annual event connecting animation filmmakers with students, fans, and industry professionals.
LightBox has grown into one of animation’s premier networking and educational events, fostering mentorship and career development.
Student Films Show Next Generation of Talent
The Best Student Film category features work from prestigious animation schools across Europe:
- “A Sparrow’s Song” from Filmakademie Baden-Württemberg
- “Acrobats” from Gobelins
- “Jour de vent” from École des Nouvelles Images
- “The Undying Pain of Existence” from Filmakademie Baden-Württemberg
- “TRASH” from ESMA
French animation schools particularly dominate this category, continuing their reputation for producing world-class animation talent.
Video Games and Live-Action Integration Expand Recognition
The Annies continue acknowledging animation beyond traditional film and TV.
Best Character Animation – Video Game nominees include anticipated titles like Death Stranding 2: On the Beach, Ghost of Yōtei, and South of Midnight.
The Best Character Animation – Live Action category recognizes visual effects work in Captain America: Brave New World, How To Train Your Dragon (the live-action adaptation), and Superman.
Prehistoric Planet: Ice Age from BBC Studios earned multiple nominations, demonstrating how natural history documentaries increasingly rely on cutting-edge animation technology.
Voice Acting Recognition Spans Genres and Platforms
Outstanding voice performances earned nominations across both television and feature categories.
Dan Mintz secured recognition for voicing Tina Belcher in Bob’s Burgers, while Erika Henningsen earned a nod for Charlie Morningstar in Amazon’s Hazbin Hotel.
Feature film voice acting nominees include Arden Cho (KPop Demon Hunters), Remy Edgerly (Elio), and Maitreyi Ramakrishnan (The Twits).
These nominations reflect animation’s ability to attract diverse talent capable of bringing characters to life through vocal performance alone.
What These Nominations Mean for Animation’s Future
The 2026 Annie Awards nominations reveal several industry trends.
Streaming platforms like Netflix continue investing heavily in animated content, with multiple nominations across original films and series.
Traditional studios remain competitive, but independent international productions are gaining recognition that was once reserved for major studio releases.
The expansion of categories to include video games and live-action integration acknowledges animation’s growing influence across entertainment media.
Technical categories highlight how sophisticated modern animation has become, with specialized teams for effects, character animation, and production design all receiving dedicated recognition.
The 53rd Annie Awards ceremony takes place February 21 at UCLA’s Royce Hall, presented by ASIFA-Hollywood, the largest chapter of the international animation organization dedicated to promoting animation art and celebrating its creators.
Pixar’s foray into episodic storytelling with Win or Lose earned six nominations, making it the most-nominated TV production this year.
The limited series explores multiple perspectives around a middle school softball team, demonstrating Pixar’s signature emotional depth in serialized format.
Asterix & Obelix: The Big Fight from Netflix secured five nominations, while Adult Swim’s Common Side Effects emerged as a mature animation contender with multiple nods across writing, direction, and editorial categories.
Prestige Projects Dominate Special Production
The Best Special Production category features holiday programming and experimental work:
- A Loud House Christmas Movie: Naughty or Nice
- Adult Swim’s The Elephant
- Snoopy Presents: A Summer Musical
- The Night Before Christmas in Wonderland
- Not Just a Goof
Apple continues investing in animated specials, with Snoopy Presents: A Summer Musical earning recognition for both the special itself and its music.
Lifetime Achievement Honors Go to Animation Legends
Beyond competitive categories, the Annies will present juried awards recognizing extraordinary contributions to animation.
The Windsor McCay Award for lifetime achievement will honor Christopher Miller and Phil Lord, the duo behind The LEGO Movie and Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse.
Also receiving Windsor McCay recognition: animator-writer-director Michaël Dudok de Wit (The Red Turtle) and writer-director Chris Sanders (Lilo & Stitch, How to Train Your Dragon).
Industry Support Recognized Following L.A. Wildfires
The June Foray Award, given for significant impact on the animation community, will go to producer Sandy Rabins.
Rabins led the AnimAID effort, providing crucial support to animation professionals affected by the devastating Los Angeles wildfires.
This recognition highlights the animation community’s commitment to supporting its members during crisis.
Technical Innovation and Community Building Celebrated
Wacom will receive the Ub Iwerks Award for technical achievement.
The company’s Cintiq graphics tablets and related products have become indispensable tools in modern animation production, fundamentally changing how artists create.
The Special Achievement Award goes to LightBox Expo, the annual event connecting animation filmmakers with students, fans, and industry professionals.
LightBox has grown into one of animation’s premier networking and educational events, fostering mentorship and career development.
Student Films Show Next Generation of Talent
The Best Student Film category features work from prestigious animation schools across Europe:
- “A Sparrow’s Song” from Filmakademie Baden-Württemberg
- “Acrobats” from Gobelins
- “Jour de vent” from École des Nouvelles Images
- “The Undying Pain of Existence” from Filmakademie Baden-Württemberg
- “TRASH” from ESMA
French animation schools particularly dominate this category, continuing their reputation for producing world-class animation talent.
Video Games and Live-Action Integration Expand Recognition
The Annies continue acknowledging animation beyond traditional film and TV.
Best Character Animation – Video Game nominees include anticipated titles like Death Stranding 2: On the Beach, Ghost of Yōtei, and South of Midnight.
The Best Character Animation – Live Action category recognizes visual effects work in Captain America: Brave New World, How To Train Your Dragon (the live-action adaptation), and Superman.
Prehistoric Planet: Ice Age from BBC Studios earned multiple nominations, demonstrating how natural history documentaries increasingly rely on cutting-edge animation technology.
Voice Acting Recognition Spans Genres and Platforms
Outstanding voice performances earned nominations across both television and feature categories.
Dan Mintz secured recognition for voicing Tina Belcher in Bob’s Burgers, while Erika Henningsen earned a nod for Charlie Morningstar in Amazon’s Hazbin Hotel.
Feature film voice acting nominees include Arden Cho (KPop Demon Hunters), Remy Edgerly (Elio), and Maitreyi Ramakrishnan (The Twits).
These nominations reflect animation’s ability to attract diverse talent capable of bringing characters to life through vocal performance alone.
What These Nominations Mean for Animation’s Future
The 2026 Annie Awards nominations reveal several industry trends.
Streaming platforms like Netflix continue investing heavily in animated content, with multiple nominations across original films and series.
Traditional studios remain competitive, but independent international productions are gaining recognition that was once reserved for major studio releases.
The expansion of categories to include video games and live-action integration acknowledges animation’s growing influence across entertainment media.
Technical categories highlight how sophisticated modern animation has become, with specialized teams for effects, character animation, and production design all receiving dedicated recognition.
The 53rd Annie Awards ceremony takes place February 21 at UCLA’s Royce Hall, presented by ASIFA-Hollywood, the largest chapter of the international animation organization dedicated to promoting animation art and celebrating its creators.
Pixar’s foray into episodic storytelling with Win or Lose earned six nominations, making it the most-nominated TV production this year.
The limited series explores multiple perspectives around a middle school softball team, demonstrating Pixar’s signature emotional depth in serialized format.
Asterix & Obelix: The Big Fight from Netflix secured five nominations, while Adult Swim’s Common Side Effects emerged as a mature animation contender with multiple nods across writing, direction, and editorial categories.
Prestige Projects Dominate Special Production
The Best Special Production category features holiday programming and experimental work:
- A Loud House Christmas Movie: Naughty or Nice
- Adult Swim’s The Elephant
- Snoopy Presents: A Summer Musical
- The Night Before Christmas in Wonderland
- Not Just a Goof
Apple continues investing in animated specials, with Snoopy Presents: A Summer Musical earning recognition for both the special itself and its music.
Lifetime Achievement Honors Go to Animation Legends
Beyond competitive categories, the Annies will present juried awards recognizing extraordinary contributions to animation.
The Windsor McCay Award for lifetime achievement will honor Christopher Miller and Phil Lord, the duo behind The LEGO Movie and Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse.
Also receiving Windsor McCay recognition: animator-writer-director Michaël Dudok de Wit (The Red Turtle) and writer-director Chris Sanders (Lilo & Stitch, How to Train Your Dragon).
Industry Support Recognized Following L.A. Wildfires
The June Foray Award, given for significant impact on the animation community, will go to producer Sandy Rabins.
Rabins led the AnimAID effort, providing crucial support to animation professionals affected by the devastating Los Angeles wildfires.
This recognition highlights the animation community’s commitment to supporting its members during crisis.
Technical Innovation and Community Building Celebrated
Wacom will receive the Ub Iwerks Award for technical achievement.
The company’s Cintiq graphics tablets and related products have become indispensable tools in modern animation production, fundamentally changing how artists create.
The Special Achievement Award goes to LightBox Expo, the annual event connecting animation filmmakers with students, fans, and industry professionals.
LightBox has grown into one of animation’s premier networking and educational events, fostering mentorship and career development.
Student Films Show Next Generation of Talent
The Best Student Film category features work from prestigious animation schools across Europe:
- “A Sparrow’s Song” from Filmakademie Baden-Württemberg
- “Acrobats” from Gobelins
- “Jour de vent” from École des Nouvelles Images
- “The Undying Pain of Existence” from Filmakademie Baden-Württemberg
- “TRASH” from ESMA
French animation schools particularly dominate this category, continuing their reputation for producing world-class animation talent.
Video Games and Live-Action Integration Expand Recognition
The Annies continue acknowledging animation beyond traditional film and TV.
Best Character Animation – Video Game nominees include anticipated titles like Death Stranding 2: On the Beach, Ghost of Yōtei, and South of Midnight.
The Best Character Animation – Live Action category recognizes visual effects work in Captain America: Brave New World, How To Train Your Dragon (the live-action adaptation), and Superman.
Prehistoric Planet: Ice Age from BBC Studios earned multiple nominations, demonstrating how natural history documentaries increasingly rely on cutting-edge animation technology.
Voice Acting Recognition Spans Genres and Platforms
Outstanding voice performances earned nominations across both television and feature categories.
Dan Mintz secured recognition for voicing Tina Belcher in Bob’s Burgers, while Erika Henningsen earned a nod for Charlie Morningstar in Amazon’s Hazbin Hotel.
Feature film voice acting nominees include Arden Cho (KPop Demon Hunters), Remy Edgerly (Elio), and Maitreyi Ramakrishnan (The Twits).
These nominations reflect animation’s ability to attract diverse talent capable of bringing characters to life through vocal performance alone.
What These Nominations Mean for Animation’s Future
The 2026 Annie Awards nominations reveal several industry trends.
Streaming platforms like Netflix continue investing heavily in animated content, with multiple nominations across original films and series.
Traditional studios remain competitive, but independent international productions are gaining recognition that was once reserved for major studio releases.
The expansion of categories to include video games and live-action integration acknowledges animation’s growing influence across entertainment media.
Technical categories highlight how sophisticated modern animation has become, with specialized teams for effects, character animation, and production design all receiving dedicated recognition.
The 53rd Annie Awards ceremony takes place February 21 at UCLA’s Royce Hall, presented by ASIFA-Hollywood, the largest chapter of the international animation organization dedicated to promoting animation art and celebrating its creators.
Television Categories Reflect Streaming’s Growing Influence
Pixar’s foray into episodic storytelling with Win or Lose earned six nominations, making it the most-nominated TV production this year.
The limited series explores multiple perspectives around a middle school softball team, demonstrating Pixar’s signature emotional depth in serialized format.
Asterix & Obelix: The Big Fight from Netflix secured five nominations, while Adult Swim’s Common Side Effects emerged as a mature animation contender with multiple nods across writing, direction, and editorial categories.
Prestige Projects Dominate Special Production
The Best Special Production category features holiday programming and experimental work:
- A Loud House Christmas Movie: Naughty or Nice
- Adult Swim’s The Elephant
- Snoopy Presents: A Summer Musical
- The Night Before Christmas in Wonderland
- Not Just a Goof
Apple continues investing in animated specials, with Snoopy Presents: A Summer Musical earning recognition for both the special itself and its music.
Lifetime Achievement Honors Go to Animation Legends
Beyond competitive categories, the Annies will present juried awards recognizing extraordinary contributions to animation.
The Windsor McCay Award for lifetime achievement will honor Christopher Miller and Phil Lord, the duo behind The LEGO Movie and Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse.
Also receiving Windsor McCay recognition: animator-writer-director Michaël Dudok de Wit (The Red Turtle) and writer-director Chris Sanders (Lilo & Stitch, How to Train Your Dragon).
Industry Support Recognized Following L.A. Wildfires
The June Foray Award, given for significant impact on the animation community, will go to producer Sandy Rabins.
Rabins led the AnimAID effort, providing crucial support to animation professionals affected by the devastating Los Angeles wildfires.
This recognition highlights the animation community’s commitment to supporting its members during crisis.
Technical Innovation and Community Building Celebrated
Wacom will receive the Ub Iwerks Award for technical achievement.
The company’s Cintiq graphics tablets and related products have become indispensable tools in modern animation production, fundamentally changing how artists create.
The Special Achievement Award goes to LightBox Expo, the annual event connecting animation filmmakers with students, fans, and industry professionals.
LightBox has grown into one of animation’s premier networking and educational events, fostering mentorship and career development.
Student Films Show Next Generation of Talent
The Best Student Film category features work from prestigious animation schools across Europe:
- “A Sparrow’s Song” from Filmakademie Baden-Württemberg
- “Acrobats” from Gobelins
- “Jour de vent” from École des Nouvelles Images
- “The Undying Pain of Existence” from Filmakademie Baden-Württemberg
- “TRASH” from ESMA
French animation schools particularly dominate this category, continuing their reputation for producing world-class animation talent.
Video Games and Live-Action Integration Expand Recognition
The Annies continue acknowledging animation beyond traditional film and TV.
Best Character Animation – Video Game nominees include anticipated titles like Death Stranding 2: On the Beach, Ghost of Yōtei, and South of Midnight.
The Best Character Animation – Live Action category recognizes visual effects work in Captain America: Brave New World, How To Train Your Dragon (the live-action adaptation), and Superman.
Prehistoric Planet: Ice Age from BBC Studios earned multiple nominations, demonstrating how natural history documentaries increasingly rely on cutting-edge animation technology.
Voice Acting Recognition Spans Genres and Platforms
Outstanding voice performances earned nominations across both television and feature categories.
Dan Mintz secured recognition for voicing Tina Belcher in Bob’s Burgers, while Erika Henningsen earned a nod for Charlie Morningstar in Amazon’s Hazbin Hotel.
Feature film voice acting nominees include Arden Cho (KPop Demon Hunters), Remy Edgerly (Elio), and Maitreyi Ramakrishnan (The Twits).
These nominations reflect animation’s ability to attract diverse talent capable of bringing characters to life through vocal performance alone.
What These Nominations Mean for Animation’s Future
The 2026 Annie Awards nominations reveal several industry trends.
Streaming platforms like Netflix continue investing heavily in animated content, with multiple nominations across original films and series.
Traditional studios remain competitive, but independent international productions are gaining recognition that was once reserved for major studio releases.
The expansion of categories to include video games and live-action integration acknowledges animation’s growing influence across entertainment media.
Technical categories highlight how sophisticated modern animation has become, with specialized teams for effects, character animation, and production design all receiving dedicated recognition.
The 53rd Annie Awards ceremony takes place February 21 at UCLA’s Royce Hall, presented by ASIFA-Hollywood, the largest chapter of the international animation organization dedicated to promoting animation art and celebrating its creators.
Television Categories Reflect Streaming’s Growing Influence
Pixar’s foray into episodic storytelling with Win or Lose earned six nominations, making it the most-nominated TV production this year.
The limited series explores multiple perspectives around a middle school softball team, demonstrating Pixar’s signature emotional depth in serialized format.
Asterix & Obelix: The Big Fight from Netflix secured five nominations, while Adult Swim’s Common Side Effects emerged as a mature animation contender with multiple nods across writing, direction, and editorial categories.
Prestige Projects Dominate Special Production
The Best Special Production category features holiday programming and experimental work:
- A Loud House Christmas Movie: Naughty or Nice
- Adult Swim’s The Elephant
- Snoopy Presents: A Summer Musical
- The Night Before Christmas in Wonderland
- Not Just a Goof
Apple continues investing in animated specials, with Snoopy Presents: A Summer Musical earning recognition for both the special itself and its music.
Lifetime Achievement Honors Go to Animation Legends
Beyond competitive categories, the Annies will present juried awards recognizing extraordinary contributions to animation.
The Windsor McCay Award for lifetime achievement will honor Christopher Miller and Phil Lord, the duo behind The LEGO Movie and Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse.
Also receiving Windsor McCay recognition: animator-writer-director Michaël Dudok de Wit (The Red Turtle) and writer-director Chris Sanders (Lilo & Stitch, How to Train Your Dragon).
Industry Support Recognized Following L.A. Wildfires
The June Foray Award, given for significant impact on the animation community, will go to producer Sandy Rabins.
Rabins led the AnimAID effort, providing crucial support to animation professionals affected by the devastating Los Angeles wildfires.
This recognition highlights the animation community’s commitment to supporting its members during crisis.
Technical Innovation and Community Building Celebrated
Wacom will receive the Ub Iwerks Award for technical achievement.
The company’s Cintiq graphics tablets and related products have become indispensable tools in modern animation production, fundamentally changing how artists create.
The Special Achievement Award goes to LightBox Expo, the annual event connecting animation filmmakers with students, fans, and industry professionals.
LightBox has grown into one of animation’s premier networking and educational events, fostering mentorship and career development.
Student Films Show Next Generation of Talent
The Best Student Film category features work from prestigious animation schools across Europe:
- “A Sparrow’s Song” from Filmakademie Baden-Württemberg
- “Acrobats” from Gobelins
- “Jour de vent” from École des Nouvelles Images
- “The Undying Pain of Existence” from Filmakademie Baden-Württemberg
- “TRASH” from ESMA
French animation schools particularly dominate this category, continuing their reputation for producing world-class animation talent.
Video Games and Live-Action Integration Expand Recognition
The Annies continue acknowledging animation beyond traditional film and TV.
Best Character Animation – Video Game nominees include anticipated titles like Death Stranding 2: On the Beach, Ghost of Yōtei, and South of Midnight.
The Best Character Animation – Live Action category recognizes visual effects work in Captain America: Brave New World, How To Train Your Dragon (the live-action adaptation), and Superman.
Prehistoric Planet: Ice Age from BBC Studios earned multiple nominations, demonstrating how natural history documentaries increasingly rely on cutting-edge animation technology.
Voice Acting Recognition Spans Genres and Platforms
Outstanding voice performances earned nominations across both television and feature categories.
Dan Mintz secured recognition for voicing Tina Belcher in Bob’s Burgers, while Erika Henningsen earned a nod for Charlie Morningstar in Amazon’s Hazbin Hotel.
Feature film voice acting nominees include Arden Cho (KPop Demon Hunters), Remy Edgerly (Elio), and Maitreyi Ramakrishnan (The Twits).
These nominations reflect animation’s ability to attract diverse talent capable of bringing characters to life through vocal performance alone.
What These Nominations Mean for Animation’s Future
The 2026 Annie Awards nominations reveal several industry trends.
Streaming platforms like Netflix continue investing heavily in animated content, with multiple nominations across original films and series.
Traditional studios remain competitive, but independent international productions are gaining recognition that was once reserved for major studio releases.
The expansion of categories to include video games and live-action integration acknowledges animation’s growing influence across entertainment media.
Technical categories highlight how sophisticated modern animation has become, with specialized teams for effects, character animation, and production design all receiving dedicated recognition.
The 53rd Annie Awards ceremony takes place February 21 at UCLA’s Royce Hall, presented by ASIFA-Hollywood, the largest chapter of the international animation organization dedicated to promoting animation art and celebrating its creators.
This category consistently highlights international voices that might otherwise get overshadowed by major studio releases.
Television Categories Reflect Streaming’s Growing Influence
Pixar’s foray into episodic storytelling with Win or Lose earned six nominations, making it the most-nominated TV production this year.
The limited series explores multiple perspectives around a middle school softball team, demonstrating Pixar’s signature emotional depth in serialized format.
Asterix & Obelix: The Big Fight from Netflix secured five nominations, while Adult Swim’s Common Side Effects emerged as a mature animation contender with multiple nods across writing, direction, and editorial categories.
Prestige Projects Dominate Special Production
The Best Special Production category features holiday programming and experimental work:
- A Loud House Christmas Movie: Naughty or Nice
- Adult Swim’s The Elephant
- Snoopy Presents: A Summer Musical
- The Night Before Christmas in Wonderland
- Not Just a Goof
Apple continues investing in animated specials, with Snoopy Presents: A Summer Musical earning recognition for both the special itself and its music.
Lifetime Achievement Honors Go to Animation Legends
Beyond competitive categories, the Annies will present juried awards recognizing extraordinary contributions to animation.
The Windsor McCay Award for lifetime achievement will honor Christopher Miller and Phil Lord, the duo behind The LEGO Movie and Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse.
Also receiving Windsor McCay recognition: animator-writer-director Michaël Dudok de Wit (The Red Turtle) and writer-director Chris Sanders (Lilo & Stitch, How to Train Your Dragon).
Industry Support Recognized Following L.A. Wildfires
The June Foray Award, given for significant impact on the animation community, will go to producer Sandy Rabins.
Rabins led the AnimAID effort, providing crucial support to animation professionals affected by the devastating Los Angeles wildfires.
This recognition highlights the animation community’s commitment to supporting its members during crisis.
Technical Innovation and Community Building Celebrated
Wacom will receive the Ub Iwerks Award for technical achievement.
The company’s Cintiq graphics tablets and related products have become indispensable tools in modern animation production, fundamentally changing how artists create.
The Special Achievement Award goes to LightBox Expo, the annual event connecting animation filmmakers with students, fans, and industry professionals.
LightBox has grown into one of animation’s premier networking and educational events, fostering mentorship and career development.
Student Films Show Next Generation of Talent
The Best Student Film category features work from prestigious animation schools across Europe:
- “A Sparrow’s Song” from Filmakademie Baden-Württemberg
- “Acrobats” from Gobelins
- “Jour de vent” from École des Nouvelles Images
- “The Undying Pain of Existence” from Filmakademie Baden-Württemberg
- “TRASH” from ESMA
French animation schools particularly dominate this category, continuing their reputation for producing world-class animation talent.
Video Games and Live-Action Integration Expand Recognition
The Annies continue acknowledging animation beyond traditional film and TV.
Best Character Animation – Video Game nominees include anticipated titles like Death Stranding 2: On the Beach, Ghost of Yōtei, and South of Midnight.
The Best Character Animation – Live Action category recognizes visual effects work in Captain America: Brave New World, How To Train Your Dragon (the live-action adaptation), and Superman.
Prehistoric Planet: Ice Age from BBC Studios earned multiple nominations, demonstrating how natural history documentaries increasingly rely on cutting-edge animation technology.
Voice Acting Recognition Spans Genres and Platforms
Outstanding voice performances earned nominations across both television and feature categories.
Dan Mintz secured recognition for voicing Tina Belcher in Bob’s Burgers, while Erika Henningsen earned a nod for Charlie Morningstar in Amazon’s Hazbin Hotel.
Feature film voice acting nominees include Arden Cho (KPop Demon Hunters), Remy Edgerly (Elio), and Maitreyi Ramakrishnan (The Twits).
These nominations reflect animation’s ability to attract diverse talent capable of bringing characters to life through vocal performance alone.
What These Nominations Mean for Animation’s Future
The 2026 Annie Awards nominations reveal several industry trends.
Streaming platforms like Netflix continue investing heavily in animated content, with multiple nominations across original films and series.
Traditional studios remain competitive, but independent international productions are gaining recognition that was once reserved for major studio releases.
The expansion of categories to include video games and live-action integration acknowledges animation’s growing influence across entertainment media.
Technical categories highlight how sophisticated modern animation has become, with specialized teams for effects, character animation, and production design all receiving dedicated recognition.
The 53rd Annie Awards ceremony takes place February 21 at UCLA’s Royce Hall, presented by ASIFA-Hollywood, the largest chapter of the international animation organization dedicated to promoting animation art and celebrating its creators.
This category consistently highlights international voices that might otherwise get overshadowed by major studio releases.
Television Categories Reflect Streaming’s Growing Influence
Pixar’s foray into episodic storytelling with Win or Lose earned six nominations, making it the most-nominated TV production this year.
The limited series explores multiple perspectives around a middle school softball team, demonstrating Pixar’s signature emotional depth in serialized format.
Asterix & Obelix: The Big Fight from Netflix secured five nominations, while Adult Swim’s Common Side Effects emerged as a mature animation contender with multiple nods across writing, direction, and editorial categories.
Prestige Projects Dominate Special Production
The Best Special Production category features holiday programming and experimental work:
- A Loud House Christmas Movie: Naughty or Nice
- Adult Swim’s The Elephant
- Snoopy Presents: A Summer Musical
- The Night Before Christmas in Wonderland
- Not Just a Goof
Apple continues investing in animated specials, with Snoopy Presents: A Summer Musical earning recognition for both the special itself and its music.
Lifetime Achievement Honors Go to Animation Legends
Beyond competitive categories, the Annies will present juried awards recognizing extraordinary contributions to animation.
The Windsor McCay Award for lifetime achievement will honor Christopher Miller and Phil Lord, the duo behind The LEGO Movie and Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse.
Also receiving Windsor McCay recognition: animator-writer-director Michaël Dudok de Wit (The Red Turtle) and writer-director Chris Sanders (Lilo & Stitch, How to Train Your Dragon).
Industry Support Recognized Following L.A. Wildfires
The June Foray Award, given for significant impact on the animation community, will go to producer Sandy Rabins.
Rabins led the AnimAID effort, providing crucial support to animation professionals affected by the devastating Los Angeles wildfires.
This recognition highlights the animation community’s commitment to supporting its members during crisis.
Technical Innovation and Community Building Celebrated
Wacom will receive the Ub Iwerks Award for technical achievement.
The company’s Cintiq graphics tablets and related products have become indispensable tools in modern animation production, fundamentally changing how artists create.
The Special Achievement Award goes to LightBox Expo, the annual event connecting animation filmmakers with students, fans, and industry professionals.
LightBox has grown into one of animation’s premier networking and educational events, fostering mentorship and career development.
Student Films Show Next Generation of Talent
The Best Student Film category features work from prestigious animation schools across Europe:
- “A Sparrow’s Song” from Filmakademie Baden-Württemberg
- “Acrobats” from Gobelins
- “Jour de vent” from École des Nouvelles Images
- “The Undying Pain of Existence” from Filmakademie Baden-Württemberg
- “TRASH” from ESMA
French animation schools particularly dominate this category, continuing their reputation for producing world-class animation talent.
Video Games and Live-Action Integration Expand Recognition
The Annies continue acknowledging animation beyond traditional film and TV.
Best Character Animation – Video Game nominees include anticipated titles like Death Stranding 2: On the Beach, Ghost of Yōtei, and South of Midnight.
The Best Character Animation – Live Action category recognizes visual effects work in Captain America: Brave New World, How To Train Your Dragon (the live-action adaptation), and Superman.
Prehistoric Planet: Ice Age from BBC Studios earned multiple nominations, demonstrating how natural history documentaries increasingly rely on cutting-edge animation technology.
Voice Acting Recognition Spans Genres and Platforms
Outstanding voice performances earned nominations across both television and feature categories.
Dan Mintz secured recognition for voicing Tina Belcher in Bob’s Burgers, while Erika Henningsen earned a nod for Charlie Morningstar in Amazon’s Hazbin Hotel.
Feature film voice acting nominees include Arden Cho (KPop Demon Hunters), Remy Edgerly (Elio), and Maitreyi Ramakrishnan (The Twits).
These nominations reflect animation’s ability to attract diverse talent capable of bringing characters to life through vocal performance alone.
What These Nominations Mean for Animation’s Future
The 2026 Annie Awards nominations reveal several industry trends.
Streaming platforms like Netflix continue investing heavily in animated content, with multiple nominations across original films and series.
Traditional studios remain competitive, but independent international productions are gaining recognition that was once reserved for major studio releases.
The expansion of categories to include video games and live-action integration acknowledges animation’s growing influence across entertainment media.
Technical categories highlight how sophisticated modern animation has become, with specialized teams for effects, character animation, and production design all receiving dedicated recognition.
The 53rd Annie Awards ceremony takes place February 21 at UCLA’s Royce Hall, presented by ASIFA-Hollywood, the largest chapter of the international animation organization dedicated to promoting animation art and celebrating its creators.
Arco, which accumulated five total nominations, competes alongside A Magnificent Life, I’m Frankelda, Lost In Starlight, and Scarlet from Studio CHIZU.
This category consistently highlights international voices that might otherwise get overshadowed by major studio releases.
Television Categories Reflect Streaming’s Growing Influence
Pixar’s foray into episodic storytelling with Win or Lose earned six nominations, making it the most-nominated TV production this year.
The limited series explores multiple perspectives around a middle school softball team, demonstrating Pixar’s signature emotional depth in serialized format.
Asterix & Obelix: The Big Fight from Netflix secured five nominations, while Adult Swim’s Common Side Effects emerged as a mature animation contender with multiple nods across writing, direction, and editorial categories.
Prestige Projects Dominate Special Production
The Best Special Production category features holiday programming and experimental work:
- A Loud House Christmas Movie: Naughty or Nice
- Adult Swim’s The Elephant
- Snoopy Presents: A Summer Musical
- The Night Before Christmas in Wonderland
- Not Just a Goof
Apple continues investing in animated specials, with Snoopy Presents: A Summer Musical earning recognition for both the special itself and its music.
Lifetime Achievement Honors Go to Animation Legends
Beyond competitive categories, the Annies will present juried awards recognizing extraordinary contributions to animation.
The Windsor McCay Award for lifetime achievement will honor Christopher Miller and Phil Lord, the duo behind The LEGO Movie and Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse.
Also receiving Windsor McCay recognition: animator-writer-director Michaël Dudok de Wit (The Red Turtle) and writer-director Chris Sanders (Lilo & Stitch, How to Train Your Dragon).
Industry Support Recognized Following L.A. Wildfires
The June Foray Award, given for significant impact on the animation community, will go to producer Sandy Rabins.
Rabins led the AnimAID effort, providing crucial support to animation professionals affected by the devastating Los Angeles wildfires.
This recognition highlights the animation community’s commitment to supporting its members during crisis.
Technical Innovation and Community Building Celebrated
Wacom will receive the Ub Iwerks Award for technical achievement.
The company’s Cintiq graphics tablets and related products have become indispensable tools in modern animation production, fundamentally changing how artists create.
The Special Achievement Award goes to LightBox Expo, the annual event connecting animation filmmakers with students, fans, and industry professionals.
LightBox has grown into one of animation’s premier networking and educational events, fostering mentorship and career development.
Student Films Show Next Generation of Talent
The Best Student Film category features work from prestigious animation schools across Europe:
- “A Sparrow’s Song” from Filmakademie Baden-Württemberg
- “Acrobats” from Gobelins
- “Jour de vent” from École des Nouvelles Images
- “The Undying Pain of Existence” from Filmakademie Baden-Württemberg
- “TRASH” from ESMA
French animation schools particularly dominate this category, continuing their reputation for producing world-class animation talent.
Video Games and Live-Action Integration Expand Recognition
The Annies continue acknowledging animation beyond traditional film and TV.
Best Character Animation – Video Game nominees include anticipated titles like Death Stranding 2: On the Beach, Ghost of Yōtei, and South of Midnight.
The Best Character Animation – Live Action category recognizes visual effects work in Captain America: Brave New World, How To Train Your Dragon (the live-action adaptation), and Superman.
Prehistoric Planet: Ice Age from BBC Studios earned multiple nominations, demonstrating how natural history documentaries increasingly rely on cutting-edge animation technology.
Voice Acting Recognition Spans Genres and Platforms
Outstanding voice performances earned nominations across both television and feature categories.
Dan Mintz secured recognition for voicing Tina Belcher in Bob’s Burgers, while Erika Henningsen earned a nod for Charlie Morningstar in Amazon’s Hazbin Hotel.
Feature film voice acting nominees include Arden Cho (KPop Demon Hunters), Remy Edgerly (Elio), and Maitreyi Ramakrishnan (The Twits).
These nominations reflect animation’s ability to attract diverse talent capable of bringing characters to life through vocal performance alone.
What These Nominations Mean for Animation’s Future
The 2026 Annie Awards nominations reveal several industry trends.
Streaming platforms like Netflix continue investing heavily in animated content, with multiple nominations across original films and series.
Traditional studios remain competitive, but independent international productions are gaining recognition that was once reserved for major studio releases.
The expansion of categories to include video games and live-action integration acknowledges animation’s growing influence across entertainment media.
Technical categories highlight how sophisticated modern animation has become, with specialized teams for effects, character animation, and production design all receiving dedicated recognition.
The 53rd Annie Awards ceremony takes place February 21 at UCLA’s Royce Hall, presented by ASIFA-Hollywood, the largest chapter of the international animation organization dedicated to promoting animation art and celebrating its creators.
Arco, which accumulated five total nominations, competes alongside A Magnificent Life, I’m Frankelda, Lost In Starlight, and Scarlet from Studio CHIZU.
This category consistently highlights international voices that might otherwise get overshadowed by major studio releases.
Television Categories Reflect Streaming’s Growing Influence
Pixar’s foray into episodic storytelling with Win or Lose earned six nominations, making it the most-nominated TV production this year.
The limited series explores multiple perspectives around a middle school softball team, demonstrating Pixar’s signature emotional depth in serialized format.
Asterix & Obelix: The Big Fight from Netflix secured five nominations, while Adult Swim’s Common Side Effects emerged as a mature animation contender with multiple nods across writing, direction, and editorial categories.
Prestige Projects Dominate Special Production
The Best Special Production category features holiday programming and experimental work:
- A Loud House Christmas Movie: Naughty or Nice
- Adult Swim’s The Elephant
- Snoopy Presents: A Summer Musical
- The Night Before Christmas in Wonderland
- Not Just a Goof
Apple continues investing in animated specials, with Snoopy Presents: A Summer Musical earning recognition for both the special itself and its music.
Lifetime Achievement Honors Go to Animation Legends
Beyond competitive categories, the Annies will present juried awards recognizing extraordinary contributions to animation.
The Windsor McCay Award for lifetime achievement will honor Christopher Miller and Phil Lord, the duo behind The LEGO Movie and Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse.
Also receiving Windsor McCay recognition: animator-writer-director Michaël Dudok de Wit (The Red Turtle) and writer-director Chris Sanders (Lilo & Stitch, How to Train Your Dragon).
Industry Support Recognized Following L.A. Wildfires
The June Foray Award, given for significant impact on the animation community, will go to producer Sandy Rabins.
Rabins led the AnimAID effort, providing crucial support to animation professionals affected by the devastating Los Angeles wildfires.
This recognition highlights the animation community’s commitment to supporting its members during crisis.
Technical Innovation and Community Building Celebrated
Wacom will receive the Ub Iwerks Award for technical achievement.
The company’s Cintiq graphics tablets and related products have become indispensable tools in modern animation production, fundamentally changing how artists create.
The Special Achievement Award goes to LightBox Expo, the annual event connecting animation filmmakers with students, fans, and industry professionals.
LightBox has grown into one of animation’s premier networking and educational events, fostering mentorship and career development.
Student Films Show Next Generation of Talent
The Best Student Film category features work from prestigious animation schools across Europe:
- “A Sparrow’s Song” from Filmakademie Baden-Württemberg
- “Acrobats” from Gobelins
- “Jour de vent” from École des Nouvelles Images
- “The Undying Pain of Existence” from Filmakademie Baden-Württemberg
- “TRASH” from ESMA
French animation schools particularly dominate this category, continuing their reputation for producing world-class animation talent.
Video Games and Live-Action Integration Expand Recognition
The Annies continue acknowledging animation beyond traditional film and TV.
Best Character Animation – Video Game nominees include anticipated titles like Death Stranding 2: On the Beach, Ghost of Yōtei, and South of Midnight.
The Best Character Animation – Live Action category recognizes visual effects work in Captain America: Brave New World, How To Train Your Dragon (the live-action adaptation), and Superman.
Prehistoric Planet: Ice Age from BBC Studios earned multiple nominations, demonstrating how natural history documentaries increasingly rely on cutting-edge animation technology.
Voice Acting Recognition Spans Genres and Platforms
Outstanding voice performances earned nominations across both television and feature categories.
Dan Mintz secured recognition for voicing Tina Belcher in Bob’s Burgers, while Erika Henningsen earned a nod for Charlie Morningstar in Amazon’s Hazbin Hotel.
Feature film voice acting nominees include Arden Cho (KPop Demon Hunters), Remy Edgerly (Elio), and Maitreyi Ramakrishnan (The Twits).
These nominations reflect animation’s ability to attract diverse talent capable of bringing characters to life through vocal performance alone.
What These Nominations Mean for Animation’s Future
The 2026 Annie Awards nominations reveal several industry trends.
Streaming platforms like Netflix continue investing heavily in animated content, with multiple nominations across original films and series.
Traditional studios remain competitive, but independent international productions are gaining recognition that was once reserved for major studio releases.
The expansion of categories to include video games and live-action integration acknowledges animation’s growing influence across entertainment media.
Technical categories highlight how sophisticated modern animation has become, with specialized teams for effects, character animation, and production design all receiving dedicated recognition.
The 53rd Annie Awards ceremony takes place February 21 at UCLA’s Royce Hall, presented by ASIFA-Hollywood, the largest chapter of the international animation organization dedicated to promoting animation art and celebrating its creators.
The Best Feature – Independent category showcases diverse storytelling from around the globe.
Arco, which accumulated five total nominations, competes alongside A Magnificent Life, I’m Frankelda, Lost In Starlight, and Scarlet from Studio CHIZU.
This category consistently highlights international voices that might otherwise get overshadowed by major studio releases.
Television Categories Reflect Streaming’s Growing Influence
Pixar’s foray into episodic storytelling with Win or Lose earned six nominations, making it the most-nominated TV production this year.
The limited series explores multiple perspectives around a middle school softball team, demonstrating Pixar’s signature emotional depth in serialized format.
Asterix & Obelix: The Big Fight from Netflix secured five nominations, while Adult Swim’s Common Side Effects emerged as a mature animation contender with multiple nods across writing, direction, and editorial categories.
Prestige Projects Dominate Special Production
The Best Special Production category features holiday programming and experimental work:
- A Loud House Christmas Movie: Naughty or Nice
- Adult Swim’s The Elephant
- Snoopy Presents: A Summer Musical
- The Night Before Christmas in Wonderland
- Not Just a Goof
Apple continues investing in animated specials, with Snoopy Presents: A Summer Musical earning recognition for both the special itself and its music.
Lifetime Achievement Honors Go to Animation Legends
Beyond competitive categories, the Annies will present juried awards recognizing extraordinary contributions to animation.
The Windsor McCay Award for lifetime achievement will honor Christopher Miller and Phil Lord, the duo behind The LEGO Movie and Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse.
Also receiving Windsor McCay recognition: animator-writer-director Michaël Dudok de Wit (The Red Turtle) and writer-director Chris Sanders (Lilo & Stitch, How to Train Your Dragon).
Industry Support Recognized Following L.A. Wildfires
The June Foray Award, given for significant impact on the animation community, will go to producer Sandy Rabins.
Rabins led the AnimAID effort, providing crucial support to animation professionals affected by the devastating Los Angeles wildfires.
This recognition highlights the animation community’s commitment to supporting its members during crisis.
Technical Innovation and Community Building Celebrated
Wacom will receive the Ub Iwerks Award for technical achievement.
The company’s Cintiq graphics tablets and related products have become indispensable tools in modern animation production, fundamentally changing how artists create.
The Special Achievement Award goes to LightBox Expo, the annual event connecting animation filmmakers with students, fans, and industry professionals.
LightBox has grown into one of animation’s premier networking and educational events, fostering mentorship and career development.
Student Films Show Next Generation of Talent
The Best Student Film category features work from prestigious animation schools across Europe:
- “A Sparrow’s Song” from Filmakademie Baden-Württemberg
- “Acrobats” from Gobelins
- “Jour de vent” from École des Nouvelles Images
- “The Undying Pain of Existence” from Filmakademie Baden-Württemberg
- “TRASH” from ESMA
French animation schools particularly dominate this category, continuing their reputation for producing world-class animation talent.
Video Games and Live-Action Integration Expand Recognition
The Annies continue acknowledging animation beyond traditional film and TV.
Best Character Animation – Video Game nominees include anticipated titles like Death Stranding 2: On the Beach, Ghost of Yōtei, and South of Midnight.
The Best Character Animation – Live Action category recognizes visual effects work in Captain America: Brave New World, How To Train Your Dragon (the live-action adaptation), and Superman.
Prehistoric Planet: Ice Age from BBC Studios earned multiple nominations, demonstrating how natural history documentaries increasingly rely on cutting-edge animation technology.
Voice Acting Recognition Spans Genres and Platforms
Outstanding voice performances earned nominations across both television and feature categories.
Dan Mintz secured recognition for voicing Tina Belcher in Bob’s Burgers, while Erika Henningsen earned a nod for Charlie Morningstar in Amazon’s Hazbin Hotel.
Feature film voice acting nominees include Arden Cho (KPop Demon Hunters), Remy Edgerly (Elio), and Maitreyi Ramakrishnan (The Twits).
These nominations reflect animation’s ability to attract diverse talent capable of bringing characters to life through vocal performance alone.
What These Nominations Mean for Animation’s Future
The 2026 Annie Awards nominations reveal several industry trends.
Streaming platforms like Netflix continue investing heavily in animated content, with multiple nominations across original films and series.
Traditional studios remain competitive, but independent international productions are gaining recognition that was once reserved for major studio releases.
The expansion of categories to include video games and live-action integration acknowledges animation’s growing influence across entertainment media.
Technical categories highlight how sophisticated modern animation has become, with specialized teams for effects, character animation, and production design all receiving dedicated recognition.
The 53rd Annie Awards ceremony takes place February 21 at UCLA’s Royce Hall, presented by ASIFA-Hollywood, the largest chapter of the international animation organization dedicated to promoting animation art and celebrating its creators.
The Best Feature – Independent category showcases diverse storytelling from around the globe.
Arco, which accumulated five total nominations, competes alongside A Magnificent Life, I’m Frankelda, Lost In Starlight, and Scarlet from Studio CHIZU.
This category consistently highlights international voices that might otherwise get overshadowed by major studio releases.
Television Categories Reflect Streaming’s Growing Influence
Pixar’s foray into episodic storytelling with Win or Lose earned six nominations, making it the most-nominated TV production this year.
The limited series explores multiple perspectives around a middle school softball team, demonstrating Pixar’s signature emotional depth in serialized format.
Asterix & Obelix: The Big Fight from Netflix secured five nominations, while Adult Swim’s Common Side Effects emerged as a mature animation contender with multiple nods across writing, direction, and editorial categories.
Prestige Projects Dominate Special Production
The Best Special Production category features holiday programming and experimental work:
- A Loud House Christmas Movie: Naughty or Nice
- Adult Swim’s The Elephant
- Snoopy Presents: A Summer Musical
- The Night Before Christmas in Wonderland
- Not Just a Goof
Apple continues investing in animated specials, with Snoopy Presents: A Summer Musical earning recognition for both the special itself and its music.
Lifetime Achievement Honors Go to Animation Legends
Beyond competitive categories, the Annies will present juried awards recognizing extraordinary contributions to animation.
The Windsor McCay Award for lifetime achievement will honor Christopher Miller and Phil Lord, the duo behind The LEGO Movie and Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse.
Also receiving Windsor McCay recognition: animator-writer-director Michaël Dudok de Wit (The Red Turtle) and writer-director Chris Sanders (Lilo & Stitch, How to Train Your Dragon).
Industry Support Recognized Following L.A. Wildfires
The June Foray Award, given for significant impact on the animation community, will go to producer Sandy Rabins.
Rabins led the AnimAID effort, providing crucial support to animation professionals affected by the devastating Los Angeles wildfires.
This recognition highlights the animation community’s commitment to supporting its members during crisis.
Technical Innovation and Community Building Celebrated
Wacom will receive the Ub Iwerks Award for technical achievement.
The company’s Cintiq graphics tablets and related products have become indispensable tools in modern animation production, fundamentally changing how artists create.
The Special Achievement Award goes to LightBox Expo, the annual event connecting animation filmmakers with students, fans, and industry professionals.
LightBox has grown into one of animation’s premier networking and educational events, fostering mentorship and career development.
Student Films Show Next Generation of Talent
The Best Student Film category features work from prestigious animation schools across Europe:
- “A Sparrow’s Song” from Filmakademie Baden-Württemberg
- “Acrobats” from Gobelins
- “Jour de vent” from École des Nouvelles Images
- “The Undying Pain of Existence” from Filmakademie Baden-Württemberg
- “TRASH” from ESMA
French animation schools particularly dominate this category, continuing their reputation for producing world-class animation talent.
Video Games and Live-Action Integration Expand Recognition
The Annies continue acknowledging animation beyond traditional film and TV.
Best Character Animation – Video Game nominees include anticipated titles like Death Stranding 2: On the Beach, Ghost of Yōtei, and South of Midnight.
The Best Character Animation – Live Action category recognizes visual effects work in Captain America: Brave New World, How To Train Your Dragon (the live-action adaptation), and Superman.
Prehistoric Planet: Ice Age from BBC Studios earned multiple nominations, demonstrating how natural history documentaries increasingly rely on cutting-edge animation technology.
Voice Acting Recognition Spans Genres and Platforms
Outstanding voice performances earned nominations across both television and feature categories.
Dan Mintz secured recognition for voicing Tina Belcher in Bob’s Burgers, while Erika Henningsen earned a nod for Charlie Morningstar in Amazon’s Hazbin Hotel.
Feature film voice acting nominees include Arden Cho (KPop Demon Hunters), Remy Edgerly (Elio), and Maitreyi Ramakrishnan (The Twits).
These nominations reflect animation’s ability to attract diverse talent capable of bringing characters to life through vocal performance alone.
What These Nominations Mean for Animation’s Future
The 2026 Annie Awards nominations reveal several industry trends.
Streaming platforms like Netflix continue investing heavily in animated content, with multiple nominations across original films and series.
Traditional studios remain competitive, but independent international productions are gaining recognition that was once reserved for major studio releases.
The expansion of categories to include video games and live-action integration acknowledges animation’s growing influence across entertainment media.
Technical categories highlight how sophisticated modern animation has become, with specialized teams for effects, character animation, and production design all receiving dedicated recognition.
The 53rd Annie Awards ceremony takes place February 21 at UCLA’s Royce Hall, presented by ASIFA-Hollywood, the largest chapter of the international animation organization dedicated to promoting animation art and celebrating its creators.
Independent Animation Gets Its Moment
The Best Feature – Independent category showcases diverse storytelling from around the globe.
Arco, which accumulated five total nominations, competes alongside A Magnificent Life, I’m Frankelda, Lost In Starlight, and Scarlet from Studio CHIZU.
This category consistently highlights international voices that might otherwise get overshadowed by major studio releases.
Television Categories Reflect Streaming’s Growing Influence
Pixar’s foray into episodic storytelling with Win or Lose earned six nominations, making it the most-nominated TV production this year.
The limited series explores multiple perspectives around a middle school softball team, demonstrating Pixar’s signature emotional depth in serialized format.
Asterix & Obelix: The Big Fight from Netflix secured five nominations, while Adult Swim’s Common Side Effects emerged as a mature animation contender with multiple nods across writing, direction, and editorial categories.
Prestige Projects Dominate Special Production
The Best Special Production category features holiday programming and experimental work:
- A Loud House Christmas Movie: Naughty or Nice
- Adult Swim’s The Elephant
- Snoopy Presents: A Summer Musical
- The Night Before Christmas in Wonderland
- Not Just a Goof
Apple continues investing in animated specials, with Snoopy Presents: A Summer Musical earning recognition for both the special itself and its music.
Lifetime Achievement Honors Go to Animation Legends
Beyond competitive categories, the Annies will present juried awards recognizing extraordinary contributions to animation.
The Windsor McCay Award for lifetime achievement will honor Christopher Miller and Phil Lord, the duo behind The LEGO Movie and Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse.
Also receiving Windsor McCay recognition: animator-writer-director Michaël Dudok de Wit (The Red Turtle) and writer-director Chris Sanders (Lilo & Stitch, How to Train Your Dragon).
Industry Support Recognized Following L.A. Wildfires
The June Foray Award, given for significant impact on the animation community, will go to producer Sandy Rabins.
Rabins led the AnimAID effort, providing crucial support to animation professionals affected by the devastating Los Angeles wildfires.
This recognition highlights the animation community’s commitment to supporting its members during crisis.
Technical Innovation and Community Building Celebrated
Wacom will receive the Ub Iwerks Award for technical achievement.
The company’s Cintiq graphics tablets and related products have become indispensable tools in modern animation production, fundamentally changing how artists create.
The Special Achievement Award goes to LightBox Expo, the annual event connecting animation filmmakers with students, fans, and industry professionals.
LightBox has grown into one of animation’s premier networking and educational events, fostering mentorship and career development.
Student Films Show Next Generation of Talent
The Best Student Film category features work from prestigious animation schools across Europe:
- “A Sparrow’s Song” from Filmakademie Baden-Württemberg
- “Acrobats” from Gobelins
- “Jour de vent” from École des Nouvelles Images
- “The Undying Pain of Existence” from Filmakademie Baden-Württemberg
- “TRASH” from ESMA
French animation schools particularly dominate this category, continuing their reputation for producing world-class animation talent.
Video Games and Live-Action Integration Expand Recognition
The Annies continue acknowledging animation beyond traditional film and TV.
Best Character Animation – Video Game nominees include anticipated titles like Death Stranding 2: On the Beach, Ghost of Yōtei, and South of Midnight.
The Best Character Animation – Live Action category recognizes visual effects work in Captain America: Brave New World, How To Train Your Dragon (the live-action adaptation), and Superman.
Prehistoric Planet: Ice Age from BBC Studios earned multiple nominations, demonstrating how natural history documentaries increasingly rely on cutting-edge animation technology.
Voice Acting Recognition Spans Genres and Platforms
Outstanding voice performances earned nominations across both television and feature categories.
Dan Mintz secured recognition for voicing Tina Belcher in Bob’s Burgers, while Erika Henningsen earned a nod for Charlie Morningstar in Amazon’s Hazbin Hotel.
Feature film voice acting nominees include Arden Cho (KPop Demon Hunters), Remy Edgerly (Elio), and Maitreyi Ramakrishnan (The Twits).
These nominations reflect animation’s ability to attract diverse talent capable of bringing characters to life through vocal performance alone.
What These Nominations Mean for Animation’s Future
The 2026 Annie Awards nominations reveal several industry trends.
Streaming platforms like Netflix continue investing heavily in animated content, with multiple nominations across original films and series.
Traditional studios remain competitive, but independent international productions are gaining recognition that was once reserved for major studio releases.
The expansion of categories to include video games and live-action integration acknowledges animation’s growing influence across entertainment media.
Technical categories highlight how sophisticated modern animation has become, with specialized teams for effects, character animation, and production design all receiving dedicated recognition.
The 53rd Annie Awards ceremony takes place February 21 at UCLA’s Royce Hall, presented by ASIFA-Hollywood, the largest chapter of the international animation organization dedicated to promoting animation art and celebrating its creators.
Independent Animation Gets Its Moment
The Best Feature – Independent category showcases diverse storytelling from around the globe.
Arco, which accumulated five total nominations, competes alongside A Magnificent Life, I’m Frankelda, Lost In Starlight, and Scarlet from Studio CHIZU.
This category consistently highlights international voices that might otherwise get overshadowed by major studio releases.
Television Categories Reflect Streaming’s Growing Influence
Pixar’s foray into episodic storytelling with Win or Lose earned six nominations, making it the most-nominated TV production this year.
The limited series explores multiple perspectives around a middle school softball team, demonstrating Pixar’s signature emotional depth in serialized format.
Asterix & Obelix: The Big Fight from Netflix secured five nominations, while Adult Swim’s Common Side Effects emerged as a mature animation contender with multiple nods across writing, direction, and editorial categories.
Prestige Projects Dominate Special Production
The Best Special Production category features holiday programming and experimental work:
- A Loud House Christmas Movie: Naughty or Nice
- Adult Swim’s The Elephant
- Snoopy Presents: A Summer Musical
- The Night Before Christmas in Wonderland
- Not Just a Goof
Apple continues investing in animated specials, with Snoopy Presents: A Summer Musical earning recognition for both the special itself and its music.
Lifetime Achievement Honors Go to Animation Legends
Beyond competitive categories, the Annies will present juried awards recognizing extraordinary contributions to animation.
The Windsor McCay Award for lifetime achievement will honor Christopher Miller and Phil Lord, the duo behind The LEGO Movie and Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse.
Also receiving Windsor McCay recognition: animator-writer-director Michaël Dudok de Wit (The Red Turtle) and writer-director Chris Sanders (Lilo & Stitch, How to Train Your Dragon).
Industry Support Recognized Following L.A. Wildfires
The June Foray Award, given for significant impact on the animation community, will go to producer Sandy Rabins.
Rabins led the AnimAID effort, providing crucial support to animation professionals affected by the devastating Los Angeles wildfires.
This recognition highlights the animation community’s commitment to supporting its members during crisis.
Technical Innovation and Community Building Celebrated
Wacom will receive the Ub Iwerks Award for technical achievement.
The company’s Cintiq graphics tablets and related products have become indispensable tools in modern animation production, fundamentally changing how artists create.
The Special Achievement Award goes to LightBox Expo, the annual event connecting animation filmmakers with students, fans, and industry professionals.
LightBox has grown into one of animation’s premier networking and educational events, fostering mentorship and career development.
Student Films Show Next Generation of Talent
The Best Student Film category features work from prestigious animation schools across Europe:
- “A Sparrow’s Song” from Filmakademie Baden-Württemberg
- “Acrobats” from Gobelins
- “Jour de vent” from École des Nouvelles Images
- “The Undying Pain of Existence” from Filmakademie Baden-Württemberg
- “TRASH” from ESMA
French animation schools particularly dominate this category, continuing their reputation for producing world-class animation talent.
Video Games and Live-Action Integration Expand Recognition
The Annies continue acknowledging animation beyond traditional film and TV.
Best Character Animation – Video Game nominees include anticipated titles like Death Stranding 2: On the Beach, Ghost of Yōtei, and South of Midnight.
The Best Character Animation – Live Action category recognizes visual effects work in Captain America: Brave New World, How To Train Your Dragon (the live-action adaptation), and Superman.
Prehistoric Planet: Ice Age from BBC Studios earned multiple nominations, demonstrating how natural history documentaries increasingly rely on cutting-edge animation technology.
Voice Acting Recognition Spans Genres and Platforms
Outstanding voice performances earned nominations across both television and feature categories.
Dan Mintz secured recognition for voicing Tina Belcher in Bob’s Burgers, while Erika Henningsen earned a nod for Charlie Morningstar in Amazon’s Hazbin Hotel.
Feature film voice acting nominees include Arden Cho (KPop Demon Hunters), Remy Edgerly (Elio), and Maitreyi Ramakrishnan (The Twits).
These nominations reflect animation’s ability to attract diverse talent capable of bringing characters to life through vocal performance alone.
What These Nominations Mean for Animation’s Future
The 2026 Annie Awards nominations reveal several industry trends.
Streaming platforms like Netflix continue investing heavily in animated content, with multiple nominations across original films and series.
Traditional studios remain competitive, but independent international productions are gaining recognition that was once reserved for major studio releases.
The expansion of categories to include video games and live-action integration acknowledges animation’s growing influence across entertainment media.
Technical categories highlight how sophisticated modern animation has become, with specialized teams for effects, character animation, and production design all receiving dedicated recognition.
The 53rd Annie Awards ceremony takes place February 21 at UCLA’s Royce Hall, presented by ASIFA-Hollywood, the largest chapter of the international animation organization dedicated to promoting animation art and celebrating its creators.
The battle extends beyond Best Feature, with both frontrunners earning recognition across technical categories including character animation, production design, effects, and music.
Independent Animation Gets Its Moment
The Best Feature – Independent category showcases diverse storytelling from around the globe.
Arco, which accumulated five total nominations, competes alongside A Magnificent Life, I’m Frankelda, Lost In Starlight, and Scarlet from Studio CHIZU.
This category consistently highlights international voices that might otherwise get overshadowed by major studio releases.
Television Categories Reflect Streaming’s Growing Influence
Pixar’s foray into episodic storytelling with Win or Lose earned six nominations, making it the most-nominated TV production this year.
The limited series explores multiple perspectives around a middle school softball team, demonstrating Pixar’s signature emotional depth in serialized format.
Asterix & Obelix: The Big Fight from Netflix secured five nominations, while Adult Swim’s Common Side Effects emerged as a mature animation contender with multiple nods across writing, direction, and editorial categories.
Prestige Projects Dominate Special Production
The Best Special Production category features holiday programming and experimental work:
- A Loud House Christmas Movie: Naughty or Nice
- Adult Swim’s The Elephant
- Snoopy Presents: A Summer Musical
- The Night Before Christmas in Wonderland
- Not Just a Goof
Apple continues investing in animated specials, with Snoopy Presents: A Summer Musical earning recognition for both the special itself and its music.
Lifetime Achievement Honors Go to Animation Legends
Beyond competitive categories, the Annies will present juried awards recognizing extraordinary contributions to animation.
The Windsor McCay Award for lifetime achievement will honor Christopher Miller and Phil Lord, the duo behind The LEGO Movie and Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse.
Also receiving Windsor McCay recognition: animator-writer-director Michaël Dudok de Wit (The Red Turtle) and writer-director Chris Sanders (Lilo & Stitch, How to Train Your Dragon).
Industry Support Recognized Following L.A. Wildfires
The June Foray Award, given for significant impact on the animation community, will go to producer Sandy Rabins.
Rabins led the AnimAID effort, providing crucial support to animation professionals affected by the devastating Los Angeles wildfires.
This recognition highlights the animation community’s commitment to supporting its members during crisis.
Technical Innovation and Community Building Celebrated
Wacom will receive the Ub Iwerks Award for technical achievement.
The company’s Cintiq graphics tablets and related products have become indispensable tools in modern animation production, fundamentally changing how artists create.
The Special Achievement Award goes to LightBox Expo, the annual event connecting animation filmmakers with students, fans, and industry professionals.
LightBox has grown into one of animation’s premier networking and educational events, fostering mentorship and career development.
Student Films Show Next Generation of Talent
The Best Student Film category features work from prestigious animation schools across Europe:
- “A Sparrow’s Song” from Filmakademie Baden-Württemberg
- “Acrobats” from Gobelins
- “Jour de vent” from École des Nouvelles Images
- “The Undying Pain of Existence” from Filmakademie Baden-Württemberg
- “TRASH” from ESMA
French animation schools particularly dominate this category, continuing their reputation for producing world-class animation talent.
Video Games and Live-Action Integration Expand Recognition
The Annies continue acknowledging animation beyond traditional film and TV.
Best Character Animation – Video Game nominees include anticipated titles like Death Stranding 2: On the Beach, Ghost of Yōtei, and South of Midnight.
The Best Character Animation – Live Action category recognizes visual effects work in Captain America: Brave New World, How To Train Your Dragon (the live-action adaptation), and Superman.
Prehistoric Planet: Ice Age from BBC Studios earned multiple nominations, demonstrating how natural history documentaries increasingly rely on cutting-edge animation technology.
Voice Acting Recognition Spans Genres and Platforms
Outstanding voice performances earned nominations across both television and feature categories.
Dan Mintz secured recognition for voicing Tina Belcher in Bob’s Burgers, while Erika Henningsen earned a nod for Charlie Morningstar in Amazon’s Hazbin Hotel.
Feature film voice acting nominees include Arden Cho (KPop Demon Hunters), Remy Edgerly (Elio), and Maitreyi Ramakrishnan (The Twits).
These nominations reflect animation’s ability to attract diverse talent capable of bringing characters to life through vocal performance alone.
What These Nominations Mean for Animation’s Future
The 2026 Annie Awards nominations reveal several industry trends.
Streaming platforms like Netflix continue investing heavily in animated content, with multiple nominations across original films and series.
Traditional studios remain competitive, but independent international productions are gaining recognition that was once reserved for major studio releases.
The expansion of categories to include video games and live-action integration acknowledges animation’s growing influence across entertainment media.
Technical categories highlight how sophisticated modern animation has become, with specialized teams for effects, character animation, and production design all receiving dedicated recognition.
The 53rd Annie Awards ceremony takes place February 21 at UCLA’s Royce Hall, presented by ASIFA-Hollywood, the largest chapter of the international animation organization dedicated to promoting animation art and celebrating its creators.
The battle extends beyond Best Feature, with both frontrunners earning recognition across technical categories including character animation, production design, effects, and music.
Independent Animation Gets Its Moment
The Best Feature – Independent category showcases diverse storytelling from around the globe.
Arco, which accumulated five total nominations, competes alongside A Magnificent Life, I’m Frankelda, Lost In Starlight, and Scarlet from Studio CHIZU.
This category consistently highlights international voices that might otherwise get overshadowed by major studio releases.
Television Categories Reflect Streaming’s Growing Influence
Pixar’s foray into episodic storytelling with Win or Lose earned six nominations, making it the most-nominated TV production this year.
The limited series explores multiple perspectives around a middle school softball team, demonstrating Pixar’s signature emotional depth in serialized format.
Asterix & Obelix: The Big Fight from Netflix secured five nominations, while Adult Swim’s Common Side Effects emerged as a mature animation contender with multiple nods across writing, direction, and editorial categories.
Prestige Projects Dominate Special Production
The Best Special Production category features holiday programming and experimental work:
- A Loud House Christmas Movie: Naughty or Nice
- Adult Swim’s The Elephant
- Snoopy Presents: A Summer Musical
- The Night Before Christmas in Wonderland
- Not Just a Goof
Apple continues investing in animated specials, with Snoopy Presents: A Summer Musical earning recognition for both the special itself and its music.
Lifetime Achievement Honors Go to Animation Legends
Beyond competitive categories, the Annies will present juried awards recognizing extraordinary contributions to animation.
The Windsor McCay Award for lifetime achievement will honor Christopher Miller and Phil Lord, the duo behind The LEGO Movie and Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse.
Also receiving Windsor McCay recognition: animator-writer-director Michaël Dudok de Wit (The Red Turtle) and writer-director Chris Sanders (Lilo & Stitch, How to Train Your Dragon).
Industry Support Recognized Following L.A. Wildfires
The June Foray Award, given for significant impact on the animation community, will go to producer Sandy Rabins.
Rabins led the AnimAID effort, providing crucial support to animation professionals affected by the devastating Los Angeles wildfires.
This recognition highlights the animation community’s commitment to supporting its members during crisis.
Technical Innovation and Community Building Celebrated
Wacom will receive the Ub Iwerks Award for technical achievement.
The company’s Cintiq graphics tablets and related products have become indispensable tools in modern animation production, fundamentally changing how artists create.
The Special Achievement Award goes to LightBox Expo, the annual event connecting animation filmmakers with students, fans, and industry professionals.
LightBox has grown into one of animation’s premier networking and educational events, fostering mentorship and career development.
Student Films Show Next Generation of Talent
The Best Student Film category features work from prestigious animation schools across Europe:
- “A Sparrow’s Song” from Filmakademie Baden-Württemberg
- “Acrobats” from Gobelins
- “Jour de vent” from École des Nouvelles Images
- “The Undying Pain of Existence” from Filmakademie Baden-Württemberg
- “TRASH” from ESMA
French animation schools particularly dominate this category, continuing their reputation for producing world-class animation talent.
Video Games and Live-Action Integration Expand Recognition
The Annies continue acknowledging animation beyond traditional film and TV.
Best Character Animation – Video Game nominees include anticipated titles like Death Stranding 2: On the Beach, Ghost of Yōtei, and South of Midnight.
The Best Character Animation – Live Action category recognizes visual effects work in Captain America: Brave New World, How To Train Your Dragon (the live-action adaptation), and Superman.
Prehistoric Planet: Ice Age from BBC Studios earned multiple nominations, demonstrating how natural history documentaries increasingly rely on cutting-edge animation technology.
Voice Acting Recognition Spans Genres and Platforms
Outstanding voice performances earned nominations across both television and feature categories.
Dan Mintz secured recognition for voicing Tina Belcher in Bob’s Burgers, while Erika Henningsen earned a nod for Charlie Morningstar in Amazon’s Hazbin Hotel.
Feature film voice acting nominees include Arden Cho (KPop Demon Hunters), Remy Edgerly (Elio), and Maitreyi Ramakrishnan (The Twits).
These nominations reflect animation’s ability to attract diverse talent capable of bringing characters to life through vocal performance alone.
What These Nominations Mean for Animation’s Future
The 2026 Annie Awards nominations reveal several industry trends.
Streaming platforms like Netflix continue investing heavily in animated content, with multiple nominations across original films and series.
Traditional studios remain competitive, but independent international productions are gaining recognition that was once reserved for major studio releases.
The expansion of categories to include video games and live-action integration acknowledges animation’s growing influence across entertainment media.
Technical categories highlight how sophisticated modern animation has become, with specialized teams for effects, character animation, and production design all receiving dedicated recognition.
The 53rd Annie Awards ceremony takes place February 21 at UCLA’s Royce Hall, presented by ASIFA-Hollywood, the largest chapter of the international animation organization dedicated to promoting animation art and celebrating its creators.
Both contenders secured spots in the prestigious Best Feature category, where they’ll face stiff competition from Little Amélie or the Character of Rain (seven nominations), Zootopia 2 (seven nods), and The Bad Guys 2 (five nominations).
The battle extends beyond Best Feature, with both frontrunners earning recognition across technical categories including character animation, production design, effects, and music.
Independent Animation Gets Its Moment
The Best Feature – Independent category showcases diverse storytelling from around the globe.
Arco, which accumulated five total nominations, competes alongside A Magnificent Life, I’m Frankelda, Lost In Starlight, and Scarlet from Studio CHIZU.
This category consistently highlights international voices that might otherwise get overshadowed by major studio releases.
Television Categories Reflect Streaming’s Growing Influence
Pixar’s foray into episodic storytelling with Win or Lose earned six nominations, making it the most-nominated TV production this year.
The limited series explores multiple perspectives around a middle school softball team, demonstrating Pixar’s signature emotional depth in serialized format.
Asterix & Obelix: The Big Fight from Netflix secured five nominations, while Adult Swim’s Common Side Effects emerged as a mature animation contender with multiple nods across writing, direction, and editorial categories.
Prestige Projects Dominate Special Production
The Best Special Production category features holiday programming and experimental work:
- A Loud House Christmas Movie: Naughty or Nice
- Adult Swim’s The Elephant
- Snoopy Presents: A Summer Musical
- The Night Before Christmas in Wonderland
- Not Just a Goof
Apple continues investing in animated specials, with Snoopy Presents: A Summer Musical earning recognition for both the special itself and its music.
Lifetime Achievement Honors Go to Animation Legends
Beyond competitive categories, the Annies will present juried awards recognizing extraordinary contributions to animation.
The Windsor McCay Award for lifetime achievement will honor Christopher Miller and Phil Lord, the duo behind The LEGO Movie and Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse.
Also receiving Windsor McCay recognition: animator-writer-director Michaël Dudok de Wit (The Red Turtle) and writer-director Chris Sanders (Lilo & Stitch, How to Train Your Dragon).
Industry Support Recognized Following L.A. Wildfires
The June Foray Award, given for significant impact on the animation community, will go to producer Sandy Rabins.
Rabins led the AnimAID effort, providing crucial support to animation professionals affected by the devastating Los Angeles wildfires.
This recognition highlights the animation community’s commitment to supporting its members during crisis.
Technical Innovation and Community Building Celebrated
Wacom will receive the Ub Iwerks Award for technical achievement.
The company’s Cintiq graphics tablets and related products have become indispensable tools in modern animation production, fundamentally changing how artists create.
The Special Achievement Award goes to LightBox Expo, the annual event connecting animation filmmakers with students, fans, and industry professionals.
LightBox has grown into one of animation’s premier networking and educational events, fostering mentorship and career development.
Student Films Show Next Generation of Talent
The Best Student Film category features work from prestigious animation schools across Europe:
- “A Sparrow’s Song” from Filmakademie Baden-Württemberg
- “Acrobats” from Gobelins
- “Jour de vent” from École des Nouvelles Images
- “The Undying Pain of Existence” from Filmakademie Baden-Württemberg
- “TRASH” from ESMA
French animation schools particularly dominate this category, continuing their reputation for producing world-class animation talent.
Video Games and Live-Action Integration Expand Recognition
The Annies continue acknowledging animation beyond traditional film and TV.
Best Character Animation – Video Game nominees include anticipated titles like Death Stranding 2: On the Beach, Ghost of Yōtei, and South of Midnight.
The Best Character Animation – Live Action category recognizes visual effects work in Captain America: Brave New World, How To Train Your Dragon (the live-action adaptation), and Superman.
Prehistoric Planet: Ice Age from BBC Studios earned multiple nominations, demonstrating how natural history documentaries increasingly rely on cutting-edge animation technology.
Voice Acting Recognition Spans Genres and Platforms
Outstanding voice performances earned nominations across both television and feature categories.
Dan Mintz secured recognition for voicing Tina Belcher in Bob’s Burgers, while Erika Henningsen earned a nod for Charlie Morningstar in Amazon’s Hazbin Hotel.
Feature film voice acting nominees include Arden Cho (KPop Demon Hunters), Remy Edgerly (Elio), and Maitreyi Ramakrishnan (The Twits).
These nominations reflect animation’s ability to attract diverse talent capable of bringing characters to life through vocal performance alone.
What These Nominations Mean for Animation’s Future
The 2026 Annie Awards nominations reveal several industry trends.
Streaming platforms like Netflix continue investing heavily in animated content, with multiple nominations across original films and series.
Traditional studios remain competitive, but independent international productions are gaining recognition that was once reserved for major studio releases.
The expansion of categories to include video games and live-action integration acknowledges animation’s growing influence across entertainment media.
Technical categories highlight how sophisticated modern animation has become, with specialized teams for effects, character animation, and production design all receiving dedicated recognition.
The 53rd Annie Awards ceremony takes place February 21 at UCLA’s Royce Hall, presented by ASIFA-Hollywood, the largest chapter of the international animation organization dedicated to promoting animation art and celebrating its creators.
Both contenders secured spots in the prestigious Best Feature category, where they’ll face stiff competition from Little Amélie or the Character of Rain (seven nominations), Zootopia 2 (seven nods), and The Bad Guys 2 (five nominations).
The battle extends beyond Best Feature, with both frontrunners earning recognition across technical categories including character animation, production design, effects, and music.
Independent Animation Gets Its Moment
The Best Feature – Independent category showcases diverse storytelling from around the globe.
Arco, which accumulated five total nominations, competes alongside A Magnificent Life, I’m Frankelda, Lost In Starlight, and Scarlet from Studio CHIZU.
This category consistently highlights international voices that might otherwise get overshadowed by major studio releases.
Television Categories Reflect Streaming’s Growing Influence
Pixar’s foray into episodic storytelling with Win or Lose earned six nominations, making it the most-nominated TV production this year.
The limited series explores multiple perspectives around a middle school softball team, demonstrating Pixar’s signature emotional depth in serialized format.
Asterix & Obelix: The Big Fight from Netflix secured five nominations, while Adult Swim’s Common Side Effects emerged as a mature animation contender with multiple nods across writing, direction, and editorial categories.
Prestige Projects Dominate Special Production
The Best Special Production category features holiday programming and experimental work:
- A Loud House Christmas Movie: Naughty or Nice
- Adult Swim’s The Elephant
- Snoopy Presents: A Summer Musical
- The Night Before Christmas in Wonderland
- Not Just a Goof
Apple continues investing in animated specials, with Snoopy Presents: A Summer Musical earning recognition for both the special itself and its music.
Lifetime Achievement Honors Go to Animation Legends
Beyond competitive categories, the Annies will present juried awards recognizing extraordinary contributions to animation.
The Windsor McCay Award for lifetime achievement will honor Christopher Miller and Phil Lord, the duo behind The LEGO Movie and Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse.
Also receiving Windsor McCay recognition: animator-writer-director Michaël Dudok de Wit (The Red Turtle) and writer-director Chris Sanders (Lilo & Stitch, How to Train Your Dragon).
Industry Support Recognized Following L.A. Wildfires
The June Foray Award, given for significant impact on the animation community, will go to producer Sandy Rabins.
Rabins led the AnimAID effort, providing crucial support to animation professionals affected by the devastating Los Angeles wildfires.
This recognition highlights the animation community’s commitment to supporting its members during crisis.
Technical Innovation and Community Building Celebrated
Wacom will receive the Ub Iwerks Award for technical achievement.
The company’s Cintiq graphics tablets and related products have become indispensable tools in modern animation production, fundamentally changing how artists create.
The Special Achievement Award goes to LightBox Expo, the annual event connecting animation filmmakers with students, fans, and industry professionals.
LightBox has grown into one of animation’s premier networking and educational events, fostering mentorship and career development.
Student Films Show Next Generation of Talent
The Best Student Film category features work from prestigious animation schools across Europe:
- “A Sparrow’s Song” from Filmakademie Baden-Württemberg
- “Acrobats” from Gobelins
- “Jour de vent” from École des Nouvelles Images
- “The Undying Pain of Existence” from Filmakademie Baden-Württemberg
- “TRASH” from ESMA
French animation schools particularly dominate this category, continuing their reputation for producing world-class animation talent.
Video Games and Live-Action Integration Expand Recognition
The Annies continue acknowledging animation beyond traditional film and TV.
Best Character Animation – Video Game nominees include anticipated titles like Death Stranding 2: On the Beach, Ghost of Yōtei, and South of Midnight.
The Best Character Animation – Live Action category recognizes visual effects work in Captain America: Brave New World, How To Train Your Dragon (the live-action adaptation), and Superman.
Prehistoric Planet: Ice Age from BBC Studios earned multiple nominations, demonstrating how natural history documentaries increasingly rely on cutting-edge animation technology.
Voice Acting Recognition Spans Genres and Platforms
Outstanding voice performances earned nominations across both television and feature categories.
Dan Mintz secured recognition for voicing Tina Belcher in Bob’s Burgers, while Erika Henningsen earned a nod for Charlie Morningstar in Amazon’s Hazbin Hotel.
Feature film voice acting nominees include Arden Cho (KPop Demon Hunters), Remy Edgerly (Elio), and Maitreyi Ramakrishnan (The Twits).
These nominations reflect animation’s ability to attract diverse talent capable of bringing characters to life through vocal performance alone.
What These Nominations Mean for Animation’s Future
The 2026 Annie Awards nominations reveal several industry trends.
Streaming platforms like Netflix continue investing heavily in animated content, with multiple nominations across original films and series.
Traditional studios remain competitive, but independent international productions are gaining recognition that was once reserved for major studio releases.
The expansion of categories to include video games and live-action integration acknowledges animation’s growing influence across entertainment media.
Technical categories highlight how sophisticated modern animation has become, with specialized teams for effects, character animation, and production design all receiving dedicated recognition.
The 53rd Annie Awards ceremony takes place February 21 at UCLA’s Royce Hall, presented by ASIFA-Hollywood, the largest chapter of the international animation organization dedicated to promoting animation art and celebrating its creators.
Elio from Pixar Animation Studios and KPop Demon Hunters from Sony Pictures Animation are tied at the top with 10 nominations each.
Both contenders secured spots in the prestigious Best Feature category, where they’ll face stiff competition from Little Amélie or the Character of Rain (seven nominations), Zootopia 2 (seven nods), and The Bad Guys 2 (five nominations).
The battle extends beyond Best Feature, with both frontrunners earning recognition across technical categories including character animation, production design, effects, and music.
Independent Animation Gets Its Moment
The Best Feature – Independent category showcases diverse storytelling from around the globe.
Arco, which accumulated five total nominations, competes alongside A Magnificent Life, I’m Frankelda, Lost In Starlight, and Scarlet from Studio CHIZU.
This category consistently highlights international voices that might otherwise get overshadowed by major studio releases.
Television Categories Reflect Streaming’s Growing Influence
Pixar’s foray into episodic storytelling with Win or Lose earned six nominations, making it the most-nominated TV production this year.
The limited series explores multiple perspectives around a middle school softball team, demonstrating Pixar’s signature emotional depth in serialized format.
Asterix & Obelix: The Big Fight from Netflix secured five nominations, while Adult Swim’s Common Side Effects emerged as a mature animation contender with multiple nods across writing, direction, and editorial categories.
Prestige Projects Dominate Special Production
The Best Special Production category features holiday programming and experimental work:
- A Loud House Christmas Movie: Naughty or Nice
- Adult Swim’s The Elephant
- Snoopy Presents: A Summer Musical
- The Night Before Christmas in Wonderland
- Not Just a Goof
Apple continues investing in animated specials, with Snoopy Presents: A Summer Musical earning recognition for both the special itself and its music.
Lifetime Achievement Honors Go to Animation Legends
Beyond competitive categories, the Annies will present juried awards recognizing extraordinary contributions to animation.
The Windsor McCay Award for lifetime achievement will honor Christopher Miller and Phil Lord, the duo behind The LEGO Movie and Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse.
Also receiving Windsor McCay recognition: animator-writer-director Michaël Dudok de Wit (The Red Turtle) and writer-director Chris Sanders (Lilo & Stitch, How to Train Your Dragon).
Industry Support Recognized Following L.A. Wildfires
The June Foray Award, given for significant impact on the animation community, will go to producer Sandy Rabins.
Rabins led the AnimAID effort, providing crucial support to animation professionals affected by the devastating Los Angeles wildfires.
This recognition highlights the animation community’s commitment to supporting its members during crisis.
Technical Innovation and Community Building Celebrated
Wacom will receive the Ub Iwerks Award for technical achievement.
The company’s Cintiq graphics tablets and related products have become indispensable tools in modern animation production, fundamentally changing how artists create.
The Special Achievement Award goes to LightBox Expo, the annual event connecting animation filmmakers with students, fans, and industry professionals.
LightBox has grown into one of animation’s premier networking and educational events, fostering mentorship and career development.
Student Films Show Next Generation of Talent
The Best Student Film category features work from prestigious animation schools across Europe:
- “A Sparrow’s Song” from Filmakademie Baden-Württemberg
- “Acrobats” from Gobelins
- “Jour de vent” from École des Nouvelles Images
- “The Undying Pain of Existence” from Filmakademie Baden-Württemberg
- “TRASH” from ESMA
French animation schools particularly dominate this category, continuing their reputation for producing world-class animation talent.
Video Games and Live-Action Integration Expand Recognition
The Annies continue acknowledging animation beyond traditional film and TV.
Best Character Animation – Video Game nominees include anticipated titles like Death Stranding 2: On the Beach, Ghost of Yōtei, and South of Midnight.
The Best Character Animation – Live Action category recognizes visual effects work in Captain America: Brave New World, How To Train Your Dragon (the live-action adaptation), and Superman.
Prehistoric Planet: Ice Age from BBC Studios earned multiple nominations, demonstrating how natural history documentaries increasingly rely on cutting-edge animation technology.
Voice Acting Recognition Spans Genres and Platforms
Outstanding voice performances earned nominations across both television and feature categories.
Dan Mintz secured recognition for voicing Tina Belcher in Bob’s Burgers, while Erika Henningsen earned a nod for Charlie Morningstar in Amazon’s Hazbin Hotel.
Feature film voice acting nominees include Arden Cho (KPop Demon Hunters), Remy Edgerly (Elio), and Maitreyi Ramakrishnan (The Twits).
These nominations reflect animation’s ability to attract diverse talent capable of bringing characters to life through vocal performance alone.
What These Nominations Mean for Animation’s Future
The 2026 Annie Awards nominations reveal several industry trends.
Streaming platforms like Netflix continue investing heavily in animated content, with multiple nominations across original films and series.
Traditional studios remain competitive, but independent international productions are gaining recognition that was once reserved for major studio releases.
The expansion of categories to include video games and live-action integration acknowledges animation’s growing influence across entertainment media.
Technical categories highlight how sophisticated modern animation has become, with specialized teams for effects, character animation, and production design all receiving dedicated recognition.
The 53rd Annie Awards ceremony takes place February 21 at UCLA’s Royce Hall, presented by ASIFA-Hollywood, the largest chapter of the international animation organization dedicated to promoting animation art and celebrating its creators.
Elio from Pixar Animation Studios and KPop Demon Hunters from Sony Pictures Animation are tied at the top with 10 nominations each.
Both contenders secured spots in the prestigious Best Feature category, where they’ll face stiff competition from Little Amélie or the Character of Rain (seven nominations), Zootopia 2 (seven nods), and The Bad Guys 2 (five nominations).
The battle extends beyond Best Feature, with both frontrunners earning recognition across technical categories including character animation, production design, effects, and music.
Independent Animation Gets Its Moment
The Best Feature – Independent category showcases diverse storytelling from around the globe.
Arco, which accumulated five total nominations, competes alongside A Magnificent Life, I’m Frankelda, Lost In Starlight, and Scarlet from Studio CHIZU.
This category consistently highlights international voices that might otherwise get overshadowed by major studio releases.
Television Categories Reflect Streaming’s Growing Influence
Pixar’s foray into episodic storytelling with Win or Lose earned six nominations, making it the most-nominated TV production this year.
The limited series explores multiple perspectives around a middle school softball team, demonstrating Pixar’s signature emotional depth in serialized format.
Asterix & Obelix: The Big Fight from Netflix secured five nominations, while Adult Swim’s Common Side Effects emerged as a mature animation contender with multiple nods across writing, direction, and editorial categories.
Prestige Projects Dominate Special Production
The Best Special Production category features holiday programming and experimental work:
- A Loud House Christmas Movie: Naughty or Nice
- Adult Swim’s The Elephant
- Snoopy Presents: A Summer Musical
- The Night Before Christmas in Wonderland
- Not Just a Goof
Apple continues investing in animated specials, with Snoopy Presents: A Summer Musical earning recognition for both the special itself and its music.
Lifetime Achievement Honors Go to Animation Legends
Beyond competitive categories, the Annies will present juried awards recognizing extraordinary contributions to animation.
The Windsor McCay Award for lifetime achievement will honor Christopher Miller and Phil Lord, the duo behind The LEGO Movie and Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse.
Also receiving Windsor McCay recognition: animator-writer-director Michaël Dudok de Wit (The Red Turtle) and writer-director Chris Sanders (Lilo & Stitch, How to Train Your Dragon).
Industry Support Recognized Following L.A. Wildfires
The June Foray Award, given for significant impact on the animation community, will go to producer Sandy Rabins.
Rabins led the AnimAID effort, providing crucial support to animation professionals affected by the devastating Los Angeles wildfires.
This recognition highlights the animation community’s commitment to supporting its members during crisis.
Technical Innovation and Community Building Celebrated
Wacom will receive the Ub Iwerks Award for technical achievement.
The company’s Cintiq graphics tablets and related products have become indispensable tools in modern animation production, fundamentally changing how artists create.
The Special Achievement Award goes to LightBox Expo, the annual event connecting animation filmmakers with students, fans, and industry professionals.
LightBox has grown into one of animation’s premier networking and educational events, fostering mentorship and career development.
Student Films Show Next Generation of Talent
The Best Student Film category features work from prestigious animation schools across Europe:
- “A Sparrow’s Song” from Filmakademie Baden-Württemberg
- “Acrobats” from Gobelins
- “Jour de vent” from École des Nouvelles Images
- “The Undying Pain of Existence” from Filmakademie Baden-Württemberg
- “TRASH” from ESMA
French animation schools particularly dominate this category, continuing their reputation for producing world-class animation talent.
Video Games and Live-Action Integration Expand Recognition
The Annies continue acknowledging animation beyond traditional film and TV.
Best Character Animation – Video Game nominees include anticipated titles like Death Stranding 2: On the Beach, Ghost of Yōtei, and South of Midnight.
The Best Character Animation – Live Action category recognizes visual effects work in Captain America: Brave New World, How To Train Your Dragon (the live-action adaptation), and Superman.
Prehistoric Planet: Ice Age from BBC Studios earned multiple nominations, demonstrating how natural history documentaries increasingly rely on cutting-edge animation technology.
Voice Acting Recognition Spans Genres and Platforms
Outstanding voice performances earned nominations across both television and feature categories.
Dan Mintz secured recognition for voicing Tina Belcher in Bob’s Burgers, while Erika Henningsen earned a nod for Charlie Morningstar in Amazon’s Hazbin Hotel.
Feature film voice acting nominees include Arden Cho (KPop Demon Hunters), Remy Edgerly (Elio), and Maitreyi Ramakrishnan (The Twits).
These nominations reflect animation’s ability to attract diverse talent capable of bringing characters to life through vocal performance alone.
What These Nominations Mean for Animation’s Future
The 2026 Annie Awards nominations reveal several industry trends.
Streaming platforms like Netflix continue investing heavily in animated content, with multiple nominations across original films and series.
Traditional studios remain competitive, but independent international productions are gaining recognition that was once reserved for major studio releases.
The expansion of categories to include video games and live-action integration acknowledges animation’s growing influence across entertainment media.
Technical categories highlight how sophisticated modern animation has become, with specialized teams for effects, character animation, and production design all receiving dedicated recognition.
The 53rd Annie Awards ceremony takes place February 21 at UCLA’s Royce Hall, presented by ASIFA-Hollywood, the largest chapter of the international animation organization dedicated to promoting animation art and celebrating its creators.
Pixar and Sony Battle for Feature Film Dominance
Elio from Pixar Animation Studios and KPop Demon Hunters from Sony Pictures Animation are tied at the top with 10 nominations each.
Both contenders secured spots in the prestigious Best Feature category, where they’ll face stiff competition from Little Amélie or the Character of Rain (seven nominations), Zootopia 2 (seven nods), and The Bad Guys 2 (five nominations).
The battle extends beyond Best Feature, with both frontrunners earning recognition across technical categories including character animation, production design, effects, and music.
Independent Animation Gets Its Moment
The Best Feature – Independent category showcases diverse storytelling from around the globe.
Arco, which accumulated five total nominations, competes alongside A Magnificent Life, I’m Frankelda, Lost In Starlight, and Scarlet from Studio CHIZU.
This category consistently highlights international voices that might otherwise get overshadowed by major studio releases.
Television Categories Reflect Streaming’s Growing Influence
Pixar’s foray into episodic storytelling with Win or Lose earned six nominations, making it the most-nominated TV production this year.
The limited series explores multiple perspectives around a middle school softball team, demonstrating Pixar’s signature emotional depth in serialized format.
Asterix & Obelix: The Big Fight from Netflix secured five nominations, while Adult Swim’s Common Side Effects emerged as a mature animation contender with multiple nods across writing, direction, and editorial categories.
Prestige Projects Dominate Special Production
The Best Special Production category features holiday programming and experimental work:
- A Loud House Christmas Movie: Naughty or Nice
- Adult Swim’s The Elephant
- Snoopy Presents: A Summer Musical
- The Night Before Christmas in Wonderland
- Not Just a Goof
Apple continues investing in animated specials, with Snoopy Presents: A Summer Musical earning recognition for both the special itself and its music.
Lifetime Achievement Honors Go to Animation Legends
Beyond competitive categories, the Annies will present juried awards recognizing extraordinary contributions to animation.
The Windsor McCay Award for lifetime achievement will honor Christopher Miller and Phil Lord, the duo behind The LEGO Movie and Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse.
Also receiving Windsor McCay recognition: animator-writer-director Michaël Dudok de Wit (The Red Turtle) and writer-director Chris Sanders (Lilo & Stitch, How to Train Your Dragon).
Industry Support Recognized Following L.A. Wildfires
The June Foray Award, given for significant impact on the animation community, will go to producer Sandy Rabins.
Rabins led the AnimAID effort, providing crucial support to animation professionals affected by the devastating Los Angeles wildfires.
This recognition highlights the animation community’s commitment to supporting its members during crisis.
Technical Innovation and Community Building Celebrated
Wacom will receive the Ub Iwerks Award for technical achievement.
The company’s Cintiq graphics tablets and related products have become indispensable tools in modern animation production, fundamentally changing how artists create.
The Special Achievement Award goes to LightBox Expo, the annual event connecting animation filmmakers with students, fans, and industry professionals.
LightBox has grown into one of animation’s premier networking and educational events, fostering mentorship and career development.
Student Films Show Next Generation of Talent
The Best Student Film category features work from prestigious animation schools across Europe:
- “A Sparrow’s Song” from Filmakademie Baden-Württemberg
- “Acrobats” from Gobelins
- “Jour de vent” from École des Nouvelles Images
- “The Undying Pain of Existence” from Filmakademie Baden-Württemberg
- “TRASH” from ESMA
French animation schools particularly dominate this category, continuing their reputation for producing world-class animation talent.
Video Games and Live-Action Integration Expand Recognition
The Annies continue acknowledging animation beyond traditional film and TV.
Best Character Animation – Video Game nominees include anticipated titles like Death Stranding 2: On the Beach, Ghost of Yōtei, and South of Midnight.
The Best Character Animation – Live Action category recognizes visual effects work in Captain America: Brave New World, How To Train Your Dragon (the live-action adaptation), and Superman.
Prehistoric Planet: Ice Age from BBC Studios earned multiple nominations, demonstrating how natural history documentaries increasingly rely on cutting-edge animation technology.
Voice Acting Recognition Spans Genres and Platforms
Outstanding voice performances earned nominations across both television and feature categories.
Dan Mintz secured recognition for voicing Tina Belcher in Bob’s Burgers, while Erika Henningsen earned a nod for Charlie Morningstar in Amazon’s Hazbin Hotel.
Feature film voice acting nominees include Arden Cho (KPop Demon Hunters), Remy Edgerly (Elio), and Maitreyi Ramakrishnan (The Twits).
These nominations reflect animation’s ability to attract diverse talent capable of bringing characters to life through vocal performance alone.
What These Nominations Mean for Animation’s Future
The 2026 Annie Awards nominations reveal several industry trends.
Streaming platforms like Netflix continue investing heavily in animated content, with multiple nominations across original films and series.
Traditional studios remain competitive, but independent international productions are gaining recognition that was once reserved for major studio releases.
The expansion of categories to include video games and live-action integration acknowledges animation’s growing influence across entertainment media.
Technical categories highlight how sophisticated modern animation has become, with specialized teams for effects, character animation, and production design all receiving dedicated recognition.
The 53rd Annie Awards ceremony takes place February 21 at UCLA’s Royce Hall, presented by ASIFA-Hollywood, the largest chapter of the international animation organization dedicated to promoting animation art and celebrating its creators.
Pixar and Sony Battle for Feature Film Dominance
Elio from Pixar Animation Studios and KPop Demon Hunters from Sony Pictures Animation are tied at the top with 10 nominations each.
Both contenders secured spots in the prestigious Best Feature category, where they’ll face stiff competition from Little Amélie or the Character of Rain (seven nominations), Zootopia 2 (seven nods), and The Bad Guys 2 (five nominations).
The battle extends beyond Best Feature, with both frontrunners earning recognition across technical categories including character animation, production design, effects, and music.
Independent Animation Gets Its Moment
The Best Feature – Independent category showcases diverse storytelling from around the globe.
Arco, which accumulated five total nominations, competes alongside A Magnificent Life, I’m Frankelda, Lost In Starlight, and Scarlet from Studio CHIZU.
This category consistently highlights international voices that might otherwise get overshadowed by major studio releases.
Television Categories Reflect Streaming’s Growing Influence
Pixar’s foray into episodic storytelling with Win or Lose earned six nominations, making it the most-nominated TV production this year.
The limited series explores multiple perspectives around a middle school softball team, demonstrating Pixar’s signature emotional depth in serialized format.
Asterix & Obelix: The Big Fight from Netflix secured five nominations, while Adult Swim’s Common Side Effects emerged as a mature animation contender with multiple nods across writing, direction, and editorial categories.
Prestige Projects Dominate Special Production
The Best Special Production category features holiday programming and experimental work:
- A Loud House Christmas Movie: Naughty or Nice
- Adult Swim’s The Elephant
- Snoopy Presents: A Summer Musical
- The Night Before Christmas in Wonderland
- Not Just a Goof
Apple continues investing in animated specials, with Snoopy Presents: A Summer Musical earning recognition for both the special itself and its music.
Lifetime Achievement Honors Go to Animation Legends
Beyond competitive categories, the Annies will present juried awards recognizing extraordinary contributions to animation.
The Windsor McCay Award for lifetime achievement will honor Christopher Miller and Phil Lord, the duo behind The LEGO Movie and Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse.
Also receiving Windsor McCay recognition: animator-writer-director Michaël Dudok de Wit (The Red Turtle) and writer-director Chris Sanders (Lilo & Stitch, How to Train Your Dragon).
Industry Support Recognized Following L.A. Wildfires
The June Foray Award, given for significant impact on the animation community, will go to producer Sandy Rabins.
Rabins led the AnimAID effort, providing crucial support to animation professionals affected by the devastating Los Angeles wildfires.
This recognition highlights the animation community’s commitment to supporting its members during crisis.
Technical Innovation and Community Building Celebrated
Wacom will receive the Ub Iwerks Award for technical achievement.
The company’s Cintiq graphics tablets and related products have become indispensable tools in modern animation production, fundamentally changing how artists create.
The Special Achievement Award goes to LightBox Expo, the annual event connecting animation filmmakers with students, fans, and industry professionals.
LightBox has grown into one of animation’s premier networking and educational events, fostering mentorship and career development.
Student Films Show Next Generation of Talent
The Best Student Film category features work from prestigious animation schools across Europe:
- “A Sparrow’s Song” from Filmakademie Baden-Württemberg
- “Acrobats” from Gobelins
- “Jour de vent” from École des Nouvelles Images
- “The Undying Pain of Existence” from Filmakademie Baden-Württemberg
- “TRASH” from ESMA
French animation schools particularly dominate this category, continuing their reputation for producing world-class animation talent.
Video Games and Live-Action Integration Expand Recognition
The Annies continue acknowledging animation beyond traditional film and TV.
Best Character Animation – Video Game nominees include anticipated titles like Death Stranding 2: On the Beach, Ghost of Yōtei, and South of Midnight.
The Best Character Animation – Live Action category recognizes visual effects work in Captain America: Brave New World, How To Train Your Dragon (the live-action adaptation), and Superman.
Prehistoric Planet: Ice Age from BBC Studios earned multiple nominations, demonstrating how natural history documentaries increasingly rely on cutting-edge animation technology.
Voice Acting Recognition Spans Genres and Platforms
Outstanding voice performances earned nominations across both television and feature categories.
Dan Mintz secured recognition for voicing Tina Belcher in Bob’s Burgers, while Erika Henningsen earned a nod for Charlie Morningstar in Amazon’s Hazbin Hotel.
Feature film voice acting nominees include Arden Cho (KPop Demon Hunters), Remy Edgerly (Elio), and Maitreyi Ramakrishnan (The Twits).
These nominations reflect animation’s ability to attract diverse talent capable of bringing characters to life through vocal performance alone.
What These Nominations Mean for Animation’s Future
The 2026 Annie Awards nominations reveal several industry trends.
Streaming platforms like Netflix continue investing heavily in animated content, with multiple nominations across original films and series.
Traditional studios remain competitive, but independent international productions are gaining recognition that was once reserved for major studio releases.
The expansion of categories to include video games and live-action integration acknowledges animation’s growing influence across entertainment media.
Technical categories highlight how sophisticated modern animation has become, with specialized teams for effects, character animation, and production design all receiving dedicated recognition.
The 53rd Annie Awards ceremony takes place February 21 at UCLA’s Royce Hall, presented by ASIFA-Hollywood, the largest chapter of the international animation organization dedicated to promoting animation art and celebrating its creators.
Here’s everything you need to know about this year’s standout nominees and what to expect when winners are announced February 21 at UCLA’s Royce Hall.
Pixar and Sony Battle for Feature Film Dominance
Elio from Pixar Animation Studios and KPop Demon Hunters from Sony Pictures Animation are tied at the top with 10 nominations each.
Both contenders secured spots in the prestigious Best Feature category, where they’ll face stiff competition from Little Amélie or the Character of Rain (seven nominations), Zootopia 2 (seven nods), and The Bad Guys 2 (five nominations).
The battle extends beyond Best Feature, with both frontrunners earning recognition across technical categories including character animation, production design, effects, and music.
Independent Animation Gets Its Moment
The Best Feature – Independent category showcases diverse storytelling from around the globe.
Arco, which accumulated five total nominations, competes alongside A Magnificent Life, I’m Frankelda, Lost In Starlight, and Scarlet from Studio CHIZU.
This category consistently highlights international voices that might otherwise get overshadowed by major studio releases.
Television Categories Reflect Streaming’s Growing Influence
Pixar’s foray into episodic storytelling with Win or Lose earned six nominations, making it the most-nominated TV production this year.
The limited series explores multiple perspectives around a middle school softball team, demonstrating Pixar’s signature emotional depth in serialized format.
Asterix & Obelix: The Big Fight from Netflix secured five nominations, while Adult Swim’s Common Side Effects emerged as a mature animation contender with multiple nods across writing, direction, and editorial categories.
Prestige Projects Dominate Special Production
The Best Special Production category features holiday programming and experimental work:
- A Loud House Christmas Movie: Naughty or Nice
- Adult Swim’s The Elephant
- Snoopy Presents: A Summer Musical
- The Night Before Christmas in Wonderland
- Not Just a Goof
Apple continues investing in animated specials, with Snoopy Presents: A Summer Musical earning recognition for both the special itself and its music.
Lifetime Achievement Honors Go to Animation Legends
Beyond competitive categories, the Annies will present juried awards recognizing extraordinary contributions to animation.
The Windsor McCay Award for lifetime achievement will honor Christopher Miller and Phil Lord, the duo behind The LEGO Movie and Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse.
Also receiving Windsor McCay recognition: animator-writer-director Michaël Dudok de Wit (The Red Turtle) and writer-director Chris Sanders (Lilo & Stitch, How to Train Your Dragon).
Industry Support Recognized Following L.A. Wildfires
The June Foray Award, given for significant impact on the animation community, will go to producer Sandy Rabins.
Rabins led the AnimAID effort, providing crucial support to animation professionals affected by the devastating Los Angeles wildfires.
This recognition highlights the animation community’s commitment to supporting its members during crisis.
Technical Innovation and Community Building Celebrated
Wacom will receive the Ub Iwerks Award for technical achievement.
The company’s Cintiq graphics tablets and related products have become indispensable tools in modern animation production, fundamentally changing how artists create.
The Special Achievement Award goes to LightBox Expo, the annual event connecting animation filmmakers with students, fans, and industry professionals.
LightBox has grown into one of animation’s premier networking and educational events, fostering mentorship and career development.
Student Films Show Next Generation of Talent
The Best Student Film category features work from prestigious animation schools across Europe:
- “A Sparrow’s Song” from Filmakademie Baden-Württemberg
- “Acrobats” from Gobelins
- “Jour de vent” from École des Nouvelles Images
- “The Undying Pain of Existence” from Filmakademie Baden-Württemberg
- “TRASH” from ESMA
French animation schools particularly dominate this category, continuing their reputation for producing world-class animation talent.
Video Games and Live-Action Integration Expand Recognition
The Annies continue acknowledging animation beyond traditional film and TV.
Best Character Animation – Video Game nominees include anticipated titles like Death Stranding 2: On the Beach, Ghost of Yōtei, and South of Midnight.
The Best Character Animation – Live Action category recognizes visual effects work in Captain America: Brave New World, How To Train Your Dragon (the live-action adaptation), and Superman.
Prehistoric Planet: Ice Age from BBC Studios earned multiple nominations, demonstrating how natural history documentaries increasingly rely on cutting-edge animation technology.
Voice Acting Recognition Spans Genres and Platforms
Outstanding voice performances earned nominations across both television and feature categories.
Dan Mintz secured recognition for voicing Tina Belcher in Bob’s Burgers, while Erika Henningsen earned a nod for Charlie Morningstar in Amazon’s Hazbin Hotel.
Feature film voice acting nominees include Arden Cho (KPop Demon Hunters), Remy Edgerly (Elio), and Maitreyi Ramakrishnan (The Twits).
These nominations reflect animation’s ability to attract diverse talent capable of bringing characters to life through vocal performance alone.
What These Nominations Mean for Animation’s Future
The 2026 Annie Awards nominations reveal several industry trends.
Streaming platforms like Netflix continue investing heavily in animated content, with multiple nominations across original films and series.
Traditional studios remain competitive, but independent international productions are gaining recognition that was once reserved for major studio releases.
The expansion of categories to include video games and live-action integration acknowledges animation’s growing influence across entertainment media.
Technical categories highlight how sophisticated modern animation has become, with specialized teams for effects, character animation, and production design all receiving dedicated recognition.
The 53rd Annie Awards ceremony takes place February 21 at UCLA’s Royce Hall, presented by ASIFA-Hollywood, the largest chapter of the international animation organization dedicated to promoting animation art and celebrating its creators.
Here’s everything you need to know about this year’s standout nominees and what to expect when winners are announced February 21 at UCLA’s Royce Hall.
Pixar and Sony Battle for Feature Film Dominance
Elio from Pixar Animation Studios and KPop Demon Hunters from Sony Pictures Animation are tied at the top with 10 nominations each.
Both contenders secured spots in the prestigious Best Feature category, where they’ll face stiff competition from Little Amélie or the Character of Rain (seven nominations), Zootopia 2 (seven nods), and The Bad Guys 2 (five nominations).
The battle extends beyond Best Feature, with both frontrunners earning recognition across technical categories including character animation, production design, effects, and music.
Independent Animation Gets Its Moment
The Best Feature – Independent category showcases diverse storytelling from around the globe.
Arco, which accumulated five total nominations, competes alongside A Magnificent Life, I’m Frankelda, Lost In Starlight, and Scarlet from Studio CHIZU.
This category consistently highlights international voices that might otherwise get overshadowed by major studio releases.
Television Categories Reflect Streaming’s Growing Influence
Pixar’s foray into episodic storytelling with Win or Lose earned six nominations, making it the most-nominated TV production this year.
The limited series explores multiple perspectives around a middle school softball team, demonstrating Pixar’s signature emotional depth in serialized format.
Asterix & Obelix: The Big Fight from Netflix secured five nominations, while Adult Swim’s Common Side Effects emerged as a mature animation contender with multiple nods across writing, direction, and editorial categories.
Prestige Projects Dominate Special Production
The Best Special Production category features holiday programming and experimental work:
- A Loud House Christmas Movie: Naughty or Nice
- Adult Swim’s The Elephant
- Snoopy Presents: A Summer Musical
- The Night Before Christmas in Wonderland
- Not Just a Goof
Apple continues investing in animated specials, with Snoopy Presents: A Summer Musical earning recognition for both the special itself and its music.
Lifetime Achievement Honors Go to Animation Legends
Beyond competitive categories, the Annies will present juried awards recognizing extraordinary contributions to animation.
The Windsor McCay Award for lifetime achievement will honor Christopher Miller and Phil Lord, the duo behind The LEGO Movie and Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse.
Also receiving Windsor McCay recognition: animator-writer-director Michaël Dudok de Wit (The Red Turtle) and writer-director Chris Sanders (Lilo & Stitch, How to Train Your Dragon).
Industry Support Recognized Following L.A. Wildfires
The June Foray Award, given for significant impact on the animation community, will go to producer Sandy Rabins.
Rabins led the AnimAID effort, providing crucial support to animation professionals affected by the devastating Los Angeles wildfires.
This recognition highlights the animation community’s commitment to supporting its members during crisis.
Technical Innovation and Community Building Celebrated
Wacom will receive the Ub Iwerks Award for technical achievement.
The company’s Cintiq graphics tablets and related products have become indispensable tools in modern animation production, fundamentally changing how artists create.
The Special Achievement Award goes to LightBox Expo, the annual event connecting animation filmmakers with students, fans, and industry professionals.
LightBox has grown into one of animation’s premier networking and educational events, fostering mentorship and career development.
Student Films Show Next Generation of Talent
The Best Student Film category features work from prestigious animation schools across Europe:
- “A Sparrow’s Song” from Filmakademie Baden-Württemberg
- “Acrobats” from Gobelins
- “Jour de vent” from École des Nouvelles Images
- “The Undying Pain of Existence” from Filmakademie Baden-Württemberg
- “TRASH” from ESMA
French animation schools particularly dominate this category, continuing their reputation for producing world-class animation talent.
Video Games and Live-Action Integration Expand Recognition
The Annies continue acknowledging animation beyond traditional film and TV.
Best Character Animation – Video Game nominees include anticipated titles like Death Stranding 2: On the Beach, Ghost of Yōtei, and South of Midnight.
The Best Character Animation – Live Action category recognizes visual effects work in Captain America: Brave New World, How To Train Your Dragon (the live-action adaptation), and Superman.
Prehistoric Planet: Ice Age from BBC Studios earned multiple nominations, demonstrating how natural history documentaries increasingly rely on cutting-edge animation technology.
Voice Acting Recognition Spans Genres and Platforms
Outstanding voice performances earned nominations across both television and feature categories.
Dan Mintz secured recognition for voicing Tina Belcher in Bob’s Burgers, while Erika Henningsen earned a nod for Charlie Morningstar in Amazon’s Hazbin Hotel.
Feature film voice acting nominees include Arden Cho (KPop Demon Hunters), Remy Edgerly (Elio), and Maitreyi Ramakrishnan (The Twits).
These nominations reflect animation’s ability to attract diverse talent capable of bringing characters to life through vocal performance alone.
What These Nominations Mean for Animation’s Future
The 2026 Annie Awards nominations reveal several industry trends.
Streaming platforms like Netflix continue investing heavily in animated content, with multiple nominations across original films and series.
Traditional studios remain competitive, but independent international productions are gaining recognition that was once reserved for major studio releases.
The expansion of categories to include video games and live-action integration acknowledges animation’s growing influence across entertainment media.
Technical categories highlight how sophisticated modern animation has become, with specialized teams for effects, character animation, and production design all receiving dedicated recognition.
The 53rd Annie Awards ceremony takes place February 21 at UCLA’s Royce Hall, presented by ASIFA-Hollywood, the largest chapter of the international animation organization dedicated to promoting animation art and celebrating its creators.
Two titles are leading the pack this year with 10 nominations each, while familiar franchises and fresh voices compete for recognition in animation’s most prestigious ceremony.
Here’s everything you need to know about this year’s standout nominees and what to expect when winners are announced February 21 at UCLA’s Royce Hall.
Pixar and Sony Battle for Feature Film Dominance
Elio from Pixar Animation Studios and KPop Demon Hunters from Sony Pictures Animation are tied at the top with 10 nominations each.
Both contenders secured spots in the prestigious Best Feature category, where they’ll face stiff competition from Little Amélie or the Character of Rain (seven nominations), Zootopia 2 (seven nods), and The Bad Guys 2 (five nominations).
The battle extends beyond Best Feature, with both frontrunners earning recognition across technical categories including character animation, production design, effects, and music.
Independent Animation Gets Its Moment
The Best Feature – Independent category showcases diverse storytelling from around the globe.
Arco, which accumulated five total nominations, competes alongside A Magnificent Life, I’m Frankelda, Lost In Starlight, and Scarlet from Studio CHIZU.
This category consistently highlights international voices that might otherwise get overshadowed by major studio releases.
Television Categories Reflect Streaming’s Growing Influence
Pixar’s foray into episodic storytelling with Win or Lose earned six nominations, making it the most-nominated TV production this year.
The limited series explores multiple perspectives around a middle school softball team, demonstrating Pixar’s signature emotional depth in serialized format.
Asterix & Obelix: The Big Fight from Netflix secured five nominations, while Adult Swim’s Common Side Effects emerged as a mature animation contender with multiple nods across writing, direction, and editorial categories.
Prestige Projects Dominate Special Production
The Best Special Production category features holiday programming and experimental work:
- A Loud House Christmas Movie: Naughty or Nice
- Adult Swim’s The Elephant
- Snoopy Presents: A Summer Musical
- The Night Before Christmas in Wonderland
- Not Just a Goof
Apple continues investing in animated specials, with Snoopy Presents: A Summer Musical earning recognition for both the special itself and its music.
Lifetime Achievement Honors Go to Animation Legends
Beyond competitive categories, the Annies will present juried awards recognizing extraordinary contributions to animation.
The Windsor McCay Award for lifetime achievement will honor Christopher Miller and Phil Lord, the duo behind The LEGO Movie and Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse.
Also receiving Windsor McCay recognition: animator-writer-director Michaël Dudok de Wit (The Red Turtle) and writer-director Chris Sanders (Lilo & Stitch, How to Train Your Dragon).
Industry Support Recognized Following L.A. Wildfires
The June Foray Award, given for significant impact on the animation community, will go to producer Sandy Rabins.
Rabins led the AnimAID effort, providing crucial support to animation professionals affected by the devastating Los Angeles wildfires.
This recognition highlights the animation community’s commitment to supporting its members during crisis.
Technical Innovation and Community Building Celebrated
Wacom will receive the Ub Iwerks Award for technical achievement.
The company’s Cintiq graphics tablets and related products have become indispensable tools in modern animation production, fundamentally changing how artists create.
The Special Achievement Award goes to LightBox Expo, the annual event connecting animation filmmakers with students, fans, and industry professionals.
LightBox has grown into one of animation’s premier networking and educational events, fostering mentorship and career development.
Student Films Show Next Generation of Talent
The Best Student Film category features work from prestigious animation schools across Europe:
- “A Sparrow’s Song” from Filmakademie Baden-Württemberg
- “Acrobats” from Gobelins
- “Jour de vent” from École des Nouvelles Images
- “The Undying Pain of Existence” from Filmakademie Baden-Württemberg
- “TRASH” from ESMA
French animation schools particularly dominate this category, continuing their reputation for producing world-class animation talent.
Video Games and Live-Action Integration Expand Recognition
The Annies continue acknowledging animation beyond traditional film and TV.
Best Character Animation – Video Game nominees include anticipated titles like Death Stranding 2: On the Beach, Ghost of Yōtei, and South of Midnight.
The Best Character Animation – Live Action category recognizes visual effects work in Captain America: Brave New World, How To Train Your Dragon (the live-action adaptation), and Superman.
Prehistoric Planet: Ice Age from BBC Studios earned multiple nominations, demonstrating how natural history documentaries increasingly rely on cutting-edge animation technology.
Voice Acting Recognition Spans Genres and Platforms
Outstanding voice performances earned nominations across both television and feature categories.
Dan Mintz secured recognition for voicing Tina Belcher in Bob’s Burgers, while Erika Henningsen earned a nod for Charlie Morningstar in Amazon’s Hazbin Hotel.
Feature film voice acting nominees include Arden Cho (KPop Demon Hunters), Remy Edgerly (Elio), and Maitreyi Ramakrishnan (The Twits).
These nominations reflect animation’s ability to attract diverse talent capable of bringing characters to life through vocal performance alone.
What These Nominations Mean for Animation’s Future
The 2026 Annie Awards nominations reveal several industry trends.
Streaming platforms like Netflix continue investing heavily in animated content, with multiple nominations across original films and series.
Traditional studios remain competitive, but independent international productions are gaining recognition that was once reserved for major studio releases.
The expansion of categories to include video games and live-action integration acknowledges animation’s growing influence across entertainment media.
Technical categories highlight how sophisticated modern animation has become, with specialized teams for effects, character animation, and production design all receiving dedicated recognition.
The 53rd Annie Awards ceremony takes place February 21 at UCLA’s Royce Hall, presented by ASIFA-Hollywood, the largest chapter of the international animation organization dedicated to promoting animation art and celebrating its creators.
Two titles are leading the pack this year with 10 nominations each, while familiar franchises and fresh voices compete for recognition in animation’s most prestigious ceremony.
Here’s everything you need to know about this year’s standout nominees and what to expect when winners are announced February 21 at UCLA’s Royce Hall.
Pixar and Sony Battle for Feature Film Dominance
Elio from Pixar Animation Studios and KPop Demon Hunters from Sony Pictures Animation are tied at the top with 10 nominations each.
Both contenders secured spots in the prestigious Best Feature category, where they’ll face stiff competition from Little Amélie or the Character of Rain (seven nominations), Zootopia 2 (seven nods), and The Bad Guys 2 (five nominations).
The battle extends beyond Best Feature, with both frontrunners earning recognition across technical categories including character animation, production design, effects, and music.
Independent Animation Gets Its Moment
The Best Feature – Independent category showcases diverse storytelling from around the globe.
Arco, which accumulated five total nominations, competes alongside A Magnificent Life, I’m Frankelda, Lost In Starlight, and Scarlet from Studio CHIZU.
This category consistently highlights international voices that might otherwise get overshadowed by major studio releases.
Television Categories Reflect Streaming’s Growing Influence
Pixar’s foray into episodic storytelling with Win or Lose earned six nominations, making it the most-nominated TV production this year.
The limited series explores multiple perspectives around a middle school softball team, demonstrating Pixar’s signature emotional depth in serialized format.
Asterix & Obelix: The Big Fight from Netflix secured five nominations, while Adult Swim’s Common Side Effects emerged as a mature animation contender with multiple nods across writing, direction, and editorial categories.
Prestige Projects Dominate Special Production
The Best Special Production category features holiday programming and experimental work:
- A Loud House Christmas Movie: Naughty or Nice
- Adult Swim’s The Elephant
- Snoopy Presents: A Summer Musical
- The Night Before Christmas in Wonderland
- Not Just a Goof
Apple continues investing in animated specials, with Snoopy Presents: A Summer Musical earning recognition for both the special itself and its music.
Lifetime Achievement Honors Go to Animation Legends
Beyond competitive categories, the Annies will present juried awards recognizing extraordinary contributions to animation.
The Windsor McCay Award for lifetime achievement will honor Christopher Miller and Phil Lord, the duo behind The LEGO Movie and Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse.
Also receiving Windsor McCay recognition: animator-writer-director Michaël Dudok de Wit (The Red Turtle) and writer-director Chris Sanders (Lilo & Stitch, How to Train Your Dragon).
Industry Support Recognized Following L.A. Wildfires
The June Foray Award, given for significant impact on the animation community, will go to producer Sandy Rabins.
Rabins led the AnimAID effort, providing crucial support to animation professionals affected by the devastating Los Angeles wildfires.
This recognition highlights the animation community’s commitment to supporting its members during crisis.
Technical Innovation and Community Building Celebrated
Wacom will receive the Ub Iwerks Award for technical achievement.
The company’s Cintiq graphics tablets and related products have become indispensable tools in modern animation production, fundamentally changing how artists create.
The Special Achievement Award goes to LightBox Expo, the annual event connecting animation filmmakers with students, fans, and industry professionals.
LightBox has grown into one of animation’s premier networking and educational events, fostering mentorship and career development.
Student Films Show Next Generation of Talent
The Best Student Film category features work from prestigious animation schools across Europe:
- “A Sparrow’s Song” from Filmakademie Baden-Württemberg
- “Acrobats” from Gobelins
- “Jour de vent” from École des Nouvelles Images
- “The Undying Pain of Existence” from Filmakademie Baden-Württemberg
- “TRASH” from ESMA
French animation schools particularly dominate this category, continuing their reputation for producing world-class animation talent.
Video Games and Live-Action Integration Expand Recognition
The Annies continue acknowledging animation beyond traditional film and TV.
Best Character Animation – Video Game nominees include anticipated titles like Death Stranding 2: On the Beach, Ghost of Yōtei, and South of Midnight.
The Best Character Animation – Live Action category recognizes visual effects work in Captain America: Brave New World, How To Train Your Dragon (the live-action adaptation), and Superman.
Prehistoric Planet: Ice Age from BBC Studios earned multiple nominations, demonstrating how natural history documentaries increasingly rely on cutting-edge animation technology.
Voice Acting Recognition Spans Genres and Platforms
Outstanding voice performances earned nominations across both television and feature categories.
Dan Mintz secured recognition for voicing Tina Belcher in Bob’s Burgers, while Erika Henningsen earned a nod for Charlie Morningstar in Amazon’s Hazbin Hotel.
Feature film voice acting nominees include Arden Cho (KPop Demon Hunters), Remy Edgerly (Elio), and Maitreyi Ramakrishnan (The Twits).
These nominations reflect animation’s ability to attract diverse talent capable of bringing characters to life through vocal performance alone.
What These Nominations Mean for Animation’s Future
The 2026 Annie Awards nominations reveal several industry trends.
Streaming platforms like Netflix continue investing heavily in animated content, with multiple nominations across original films and series.
Traditional studios remain competitive, but independent international productions are gaining recognition that was once reserved for major studio releases.
The expansion of categories to include video games and live-action integration acknowledges animation’s growing influence across entertainment media.
Technical categories highlight how sophisticated modern animation has become, with specialized teams for effects, character animation, and production design all receiving dedicated recognition.
The 53rd Annie Awards ceremony takes place February 21 at UCLA’s Royce Hall, presented by ASIFA-Hollywood, the largest chapter of the international animation organization dedicated to promoting animation art and celebrating its creators.
The 2026 Annie Awards have unveiled their nominations, spotlighting exceptional work across film, television, and streaming platforms.
Two titles are leading the pack this year with 10 nominations each, while familiar franchises and fresh voices compete for recognition in animation’s most prestigious ceremony.
Here’s everything you need to know about this year’s standout nominees and what to expect when winners are announced February 21 at UCLA’s Royce Hall.
Pixar and Sony Battle for Feature Film Dominance
Elio from Pixar Animation Studios and KPop Demon Hunters from Sony Pictures Animation are tied at the top with 10 nominations each.
Both contenders secured spots in the prestigious Best Feature category, where they’ll face stiff competition from Little Amélie or the Character of Rain (seven nominations), Zootopia 2 (seven nods), and The Bad Guys 2 (five nominations).
The battle extends beyond Best Feature, with both frontrunners earning recognition across technical categories including character animation, production design, effects, and music.
Independent Animation Gets Its Moment
The Best Feature – Independent category showcases diverse storytelling from around the globe.
Arco, which accumulated five total nominations, competes alongside A Magnificent Life, I’m Frankelda, Lost In Starlight, and Scarlet from Studio CHIZU.
This category consistently highlights international voices that might otherwise get overshadowed by major studio releases.
Television Categories Reflect Streaming’s Growing Influence
Pixar’s foray into episodic storytelling with Win or Lose earned six nominations, making it the most-nominated TV production this year.
The limited series explores multiple perspectives around a middle school softball team, demonstrating Pixar’s signature emotional depth in serialized format.
Asterix & Obelix: The Big Fight from Netflix secured five nominations, while Adult Swim’s Common Side Effects emerged as a mature animation contender with multiple nods across writing, direction, and editorial categories.
Prestige Projects Dominate Special Production
The Best Special Production category features holiday programming and experimental work:
- A Loud House Christmas Movie: Naughty or Nice
- Adult Swim’s The Elephant
- Snoopy Presents: A Summer Musical
- The Night Before Christmas in Wonderland
- Not Just a Goof
Apple continues investing in animated specials, with Snoopy Presents: A Summer Musical earning recognition for both the special itself and its music.
Lifetime Achievement Honors Go to Animation Legends
Beyond competitive categories, the Annies will present juried awards recognizing extraordinary contributions to animation.
The Windsor McCay Award for lifetime achievement will honor Christopher Miller and Phil Lord, the duo behind The LEGO Movie and Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse.
Also receiving Windsor McCay recognition: animator-writer-director Michaël Dudok de Wit (The Red Turtle) and writer-director Chris Sanders (Lilo & Stitch, How to Train Your Dragon).
Industry Support Recognized Following L.A. Wildfires
The June Foray Award, given for significant impact on the animation community, will go to producer Sandy Rabins.
Rabins led the AnimAID effort, providing crucial support to animation professionals affected by the devastating Los Angeles wildfires.
This recognition highlights the animation community’s commitment to supporting its members during crisis.
Technical Innovation and Community Building Celebrated
Wacom will receive the Ub Iwerks Award for technical achievement.
The company’s Cintiq graphics tablets and related products have become indispensable tools in modern animation production, fundamentally changing how artists create.
The Special Achievement Award goes to LightBox Expo, the annual event connecting animation filmmakers with students, fans, and industry professionals.
LightBox has grown into one of animation’s premier networking and educational events, fostering mentorship and career development.
Student Films Show Next Generation of Talent
The Best Student Film category features work from prestigious animation schools across Europe:
- “A Sparrow’s Song” from Filmakademie Baden-Württemberg
- “Acrobats” from Gobelins
- “Jour de vent” from École des Nouvelles Images
- “The Undying Pain of Existence” from Filmakademie Baden-Württemberg
- “TRASH” from ESMA
French animation schools particularly dominate this category, continuing their reputation for producing world-class animation talent.
Video Games and Live-Action Integration Expand Recognition
The Annies continue acknowledging animation beyond traditional film and TV.
Best Character Animation – Video Game nominees include anticipated titles like Death Stranding 2: On the Beach, Ghost of Yōtei, and South of Midnight.
The Best Character Animation – Live Action category recognizes visual effects work in Captain America: Brave New World, How To Train Your Dragon (the live-action adaptation), and Superman.
Prehistoric Planet: Ice Age from BBC Studios earned multiple nominations, demonstrating how natural history documentaries increasingly rely on cutting-edge animation technology.
Voice Acting Recognition Spans Genres and Platforms
Outstanding voice performances earned nominations across both television and feature categories.
Dan Mintz secured recognition for voicing Tina Belcher in Bob’s Burgers, while Erika Henningsen earned a nod for Charlie Morningstar in Amazon’s Hazbin Hotel.
Feature film voice acting nominees include Arden Cho (KPop Demon Hunters), Remy Edgerly (Elio), and Maitreyi Ramakrishnan (The Twits).
These nominations reflect animation’s ability to attract diverse talent capable of bringing characters to life through vocal performance alone.
What These Nominations Mean for Animation’s Future
The 2026 Annie Awards nominations reveal several industry trends.
Streaming platforms like Netflix continue investing heavily in animated content, with multiple nominations across original films and series.
Traditional studios remain competitive, but independent international productions are gaining recognition that was once reserved for major studio releases.
The expansion of categories to include video games and live-action integration acknowledges animation’s growing influence across entertainment media.
Technical categories highlight how sophisticated modern animation has become, with specialized teams for effects, character animation, and production design all receiving dedicated recognition.
The 53rd Annie Awards ceremony takes place February 21 at UCLA’s Royce Hall, presented by ASIFA-Hollywood, the largest chapter of the international animation organization dedicated to promoting animation art and celebrating its creators.
The 2026 Annie Awards have unveiled their nominations, spotlighting exceptional work across film, television, and streaming platforms.
Two titles are leading the pack this year with 10 nominations each, while familiar franchises and fresh voices compete for recognition in animation’s most prestigious ceremony.
Here’s everything you need to know about this year’s standout nominees and what to expect when winners are announced February 21 at UCLA’s Royce Hall.
Pixar and Sony Battle for Feature Film Dominance
Elio from Pixar Animation Studios and KPop Demon Hunters from Sony Pictures Animation are tied at the top with 10 nominations each.
Both contenders secured spots in the prestigious Best Feature category, where they’ll face stiff competition from Little Amélie or the Character of Rain (seven nominations), Zootopia 2 (seven nods), and The Bad Guys 2 (five nominations).
The battle extends beyond Best Feature, with both frontrunners earning recognition across technical categories including character animation, production design, effects, and music.
Independent Animation Gets Its Moment
The Best Feature – Independent category showcases diverse storytelling from around the globe.
Arco, which accumulated five total nominations, competes alongside A Magnificent Life, I’m Frankelda, Lost In Starlight, and Scarlet from Studio CHIZU.
This category consistently highlights international voices that might otherwise get overshadowed by major studio releases.
Television Categories Reflect Streaming’s Growing Influence
Pixar’s foray into episodic storytelling with Win or Lose earned six nominations, making it the most-nominated TV production this year.
The limited series explores multiple perspectives around a middle school softball team, demonstrating Pixar’s signature emotional depth in serialized format.
Asterix & Obelix: The Big Fight from Netflix secured five nominations, while Adult Swim’s Common Side Effects emerged as a mature animation contender with multiple nods across writing, direction, and editorial categories.
Prestige Projects Dominate Special Production
The Best Special Production category features holiday programming and experimental work:
- A Loud House Christmas Movie: Naughty or Nice
- Adult Swim’s The Elephant
- Snoopy Presents: A Summer Musical
- The Night Before Christmas in Wonderland
- Not Just a Goof
Apple continues investing in animated specials, with Snoopy Presents: A Summer Musical earning recognition for both the special itself and its music.
Lifetime Achievement Honors Go to Animation Legends
Beyond competitive categories, the Annies will present juried awards recognizing extraordinary contributions to animation.
The Windsor McCay Award for lifetime achievement will honor Christopher Miller and Phil Lord, the duo behind The LEGO Movie and Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse.
Also receiving Windsor McCay recognition: animator-writer-director Michaël Dudok de Wit (The Red Turtle) and writer-director Chris Sanders (Lilo & Stitch, How to Train Your Dragon).
Industry Support Recognized Following L.A. Wildfires
The June Foray Award, given for significant impact on the animation community, will go to producer Sandy Rabins.
Rabins led the AnimAID effort, providing crucial support to animation professionals affected by the devastating Los Angeles wildfires.
This recognition highlights the animation community’s commitment to supporting its members during crisis.
Technical Innovation and Community Building Celebrated
Wacom will receive the Ub Iwerks Award for technical achievement.
The company’s Cintiq graphics tablets and related products have become indispensable tools in modern animation production, fundamentally changing how artists create.
The Special Achievement Award goes to LightBox Expo, the annual event connecting animation filmmakers with students, fans, and industry professionals.
LightBox has grown into one of animation’s premier networking and educational events, fostering mentorship and career development.
Student Films Show Next Generation of Talent
The Best Student Film category features work from prestigious animation schools across Europe:
- “A Sparrow’s Song” from Filmakademie Baden-Württemberg
- “Acrobats” from Gobelins
- “Jour de vent” from École des Nouvelles Images
- “The Undying Pain of Existence” from Filmakademie Baden-Württemberg
- “TRASH” from ESMA
French animation schools particularly dominate this category, continuing their reputation for producing world-class animation talent.
Video Games and Live-Action Integration Expand Recognition
The Annies continue acknowledging animation beyond traditional film and TV.
Best Character Animation – Video Game nominees include anticipated titles like Death Stranding 2: On the Beach, Ghost of Yōtei, and South of Midnight.
The Best Character Animation – Live Action category recognizes visual effects work in Captain America: Brave New World, How To Train Your Dragon (the live-action adaptation), and Superman.
Prehistoric Planet: Ice Age from BBC Studios earned multiple nominations, demonstrating how natural history documentaries increasingly rely on cutting-edge animation technology.
Voice Acting Recognition Spans Genres and Platforms
Outstanding voice performances earned nominations across both television and feature categories.
Dan Mintz secured recognition for voicing Tina Belcher in Bob’s Burgers, while Erika Henningsen earned a nod for Charlie Morningstar in Amazon’s Hazbin Hotel.
Feature film voice acting nominees include Arden Cho (KPop Demon Hunters), Remy Edgerly (Elio), and Maitreyi Ramakrishnan (The Twits).
These nominations reflect animation’s ability to attract diverse talent capable of bringing characters to life through vocal performance alone.
What These Nominations Mean for Animation’s Future
The 2026 Annie Awards nominations reveal several industry trends.
Streaming platforms like Netflix continue investing heavily in animated content, with multiple nominations across original films and series.
Traditional studios remain competitive, but independent international productions are gaining recognition that was once reserved for major studio releases.
The expansion of categories to include video games and live-action integration acknowledges animation’s growing influence across entertainment media.
Technical categories highlight how sophisticated modern animation has become, with specialized teams for effects, character animation, and production design all receiving dedicated recognition.
The 53rd Annie Awards ceremony takes place February 21 at UCLA’s Royce Hall, presented by ASIFA-Hollywood, the largest chapter of the international animation organization dedicated to promoting animation art and celebrating its creators.
Animation’s biggest night is approaching, and the nominees are officially here.
The 2026 Annie Awards have unveiled their nominations, spotlighting exceptional work across film, television, and streaming platforms.
Two titles are leading the pack this year with 10 nominations each, while familiar franchises and fresh voices compete for recognition in animation’s most prestigious ceremony.
Here’s everything you need to know about this year’s standout nominees and what to expect when winners are announced February 21 at UCLA’s Royce Hall.
Pixar and Sony Battle for Feature Film Dominance
Elio from Pixar Animation Studios and KPop Demon Hunters from Sony Pictures Animation are tied at the top with 10 nominations each.
Both contenders secured spots in the prestigious Best Feature category, where they’ll face stiff competition from Little Amélie or the Character of Rain (seven nominations), Zootopia 2 (seven nods), and The Bad Guys 2 (five nominations).
The battle extends beyond Best Feature, with both frontrunners earning recognition across technical categories including character animation, production design, effects, and music.
Independent Animation Gets Its Moment
The Best Feature – Independent category showcases diverse storytelling from around the globe.
Arco, which accumulated five total nominations, competes alongside A Magnificent Life, I’m Frankelda, Lost In Starlight, and Scarlet from Studio CHIZU.
This category consistently highlights international voices that might otherwise get overshadowed by major studio releases.
Television Categories Reflect Streaming’s Growing Influence
Pixar’s foray into episodic storytelling with Win or Lose earned six nominations, making it the most-nominated TV production this year.
The limited series explores multiple perspectives around a middle school softball team, demonstrating Pixar’s signature emotional depth in serialized format.
Asterix & Obelix: The Big Fight from Netflix secured five nominations, while Adult Swim’s Common Side Effects emerged as a mature animation contender with multiple nods across writing, direction, and editorial categories.
Prestige Projects Dominate Special Production
The Best Special Production category features holiday programming and experimental work:
- A Loud House Christmas Movie: Naughty or Nice
- Adult Swim’s The Elephant
- Snoopy Presents: A Summer Musical
- The Night Before Christmas in Wonderland
- Not Just a Goof
Apple continues investing in animated specials, with Snoopy Presents: A Summer Musical earning recognition for both the special itself and its music.
Lifetime Achievement Honors Go to Animation Legends
Beyond competitive categories, the Annies will present juried awards recognizing extraordinary contributions to animation.
The Windsor McCay Award for lifetime achievement will honor Christopher Miller and Phil Lord, the duo behind The LEGO Movie and Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse.
Also receiving Windsor McCay recognition: animator-writer-director Michaël Dudok de Wit (The Red Turtle) and writer-director Chris Sanders (Lilo & Stitch, How to Train Your Dragon).
Industry Support Recognized Following L.A. Wildfires
The June Foray Award, given for significant impact on the animation community, will go to producer Sandy Rabins.
Rabins led the AnimAID effort, providing crucial support to animation professionals affected by the devastating Los Angeles wildfires.
This recognition highlights the animation community’s commitment to supporting its members during crisis.
Technical Innovation and Community Building Celebrated
Wacom will receive the Ub Iwerks Award for technical achievement.
The company’s Cintiq graphics tablets and related products have become indispensable tools in modern animation production, fundamentally changing how artists create.
The Special Achievement Award goes to LightBox Expo, the annual event connecting animation filmmakers with students, fans, and industry professionals.
LightBox has grown into one of animation’s premier networking and educational events, fostering mentorship and career development.
Student Films Show Next Generation of Talent
The Best Student Film category features work from prestigious animation schools across Europe:
- “A Sparrow’s Song” from Filmakademie Baden-Württemberg
- “Acrobats” from Gobelins
- “Jour de vent” from École des Nouvelles Images
- “The Undying Pain of Existence” from Filmakademie Baden-Württemberg
- “TRASH” from ESMA
French animation schools particularly dominate this category, continuing their reputation for producing world-class animation talent.
Video Games and Live-Action Integration Expand Recognition
The Annies continue acknowledging animation beyond traditional film and TV.
Best Character Animation – Video Game nominees include anticipated titles like Death Stranding 2: On the Beach, Ghost of Yōtei, and South of Midnight.
The Best Character Animation – Live Action category recognizes visual effects work in Captain America: Brave New World, How To Train Your Dragon (the live-action adaptation), and Superman.
Prehistoric Planet: Ice Age from BBC Studios earned multiple nominations, demonstrating how natural history documentaries increasingly rely on cutting-edge animation technology.
Voice Acting Recognition Spans Genres and Platforms
Outstanding voice performances earned nominations across both television and feature categories.
Dan Mintz secured recognition for voicing Tina Belcher in Bob’s Burgers, while Erika Henningsen earned a nod for Charlie Morningstar in Amazon’s Hazbin Hotel.
Feature film voice acting nominees include Arden Cho (KPop Demon Hunters), Remy Edgerly (Elio), and Maitreyi Ramakrishnan (The Twits).
These nominations reflect animation’s ability to attract diverse talent capable of bringing characters to life through vocal performance alone.
What These Nominations Mean for Animation’s Future
The 2026 Annie Awards nominations reveal several industry trends.
Streaming platforms like Netflix continue investing heavily in animated content, with multiple nominations across original films and series.
Traditional studios remain competitive, but independent international productions are gaining recognition that was once reserved for major studio releases.
The expansion of categories to include video games and live-action integration acknowledges animation’s growing influence across entertainment media.
Technical categories highlight how sophisticated modern animation has become, with specialized teams for effects, character animation, and production design all receiving dedicated recognition.
The 53rd Annie Awards ceremony takes place February 21 at UCLA’s Royce Hall, presented by ASIFA-Hollywood, the largest chapter of the international animation organization dedicated to promoting animation art and celebrating its creators.
Animation’s biggest night is approaching, and the nominees are officially here.
The 2026 Annie Awards have unveiled their nominations, spotlighting exceptional work across film, television, and streaming platforms.
Two titles are leading the pack this year with 10 nominations each, while familiar franchises and fresh voices compete for recognition in animation’s most prestigious ceremony.
Here’s everything you need to know about this year’s standout nominees and what to expect when winners are announced February 21 at UCLA’s Royce Hall.
Pixar and Sony Battle for Feature Film Dominance
Elio from Pixar Animation Studios and KPop Demon Hunters from Sony Pictures Animation are tied at the top with 10 nominations each.
Both contenders secured spots in the prestigious Best Feature category, where they’ll face stiff competition from Little Amélie or the Character of Rain (seven nominations), Zootopia 2 (seven nods), and The Bad Guys 2 (five nominations).
The battle extends beyond Best Feature, with both frontrunners earning recognition across technical categories including character animation, production design, effects, and music.
Independent Animation Gets Its Moment
The Best Feature – Independent category showcases diverse storytelling from around the globe.
Arco, which accumulated five total nominations, competes alongside A Magnificent Life, I’m Frankelda, Lost In Starlight, and Scarlet from Studio CHIZU.
This category consistently highlights international voices that might otherwise get overshadowed by major studio releases.
Television Categories Reflect Streaming’s Growing Influence
Pixar’s foray into episodic storytelling with Win or Lose earned six nominations, making it the most-nominated TV production this year.
The limited series explores multiple perspectives around a middle school softball team, demonstrating Pixar’s signature emotional depth in serialized format.
Asterix & Obelix: The Big Fight from Netflix secured five nominations, while Adult Swim’s Common Side Effects emerged as a mature animation contender with multiple nods across writing, direction, and editorial categories.
Prestige Projects Dominate Special Production
The Best Special Production category features holiday programming and experimental work:
- A Loud House Christmas Movie: Naughty or Nice
- Adult Swim’s The Elephant
- Snoopy Presents: A Summer Musical
- The Night Before Christmas in Wonderland
- Not Just a Goof
Apple continues investing in animated specials, with Snoopy Presents: A Summer Musical earning recognition for both the special itself and its music.
Lifetime Achievement Honors Go to Animation Legends
Beyond competitive categories, the Annies will present juried awards recognizing extraordinary contributions to animation.
The Windsor McCay Award for lifetime achievement will honor Christopher Miller and Phil Lord, the duo behind The LEGO Movie and Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse.
Also receiving Windsor McCay recognition: animator-writer-director Michaël Dudok de Wit (The Red Turtle) and writer-director Chris Sanders (Lilo & Stitch, How to Train Your Dragon).
Industry Support Recognized Following L.A. Wildfires
The June Foray Award, given for significant impact on the animation community, will go to producer Sandy Rabins.
Rabins led the AnimAID effort, providing crucial support to animation professionals affected by the devastating Los Angeles wildfires.
This recognition highlights the animation community’s commitment to supporting its members during crisis.
Technical Innovation and Community Building Celebrated
Wacom will receive the Ub Iwerks Award for technical achievement.
The company’s Cintiq graphics tablets and related products have become indispensable tools in modern animation production, fundamentally changing how artists create.
The Special Achievement Award goes to LightBox Expo, the annual event connecting animation filmmakers with students, fans, and industry professionals.
LightBox has grown into one of animation’s premier networking and educational events, fostering mentorship and career development.
Student Films Show Next Generation of Talent
The Best Student Film category features work from prestigious animation schools across Europe:
- “A Sparrow’s Song” from Filmakademie Baden-Württemberg
- “Acrobats” from Gobelins
- “Jour de vent” from École des Nouvelles Images
- “The Undying Pain of Existence” from Filmakademie Baden-Württemberg
- “TRASH” from ESMA
French animation schools particularly dominate this category, continuing their reputation for producing world-class animation talent.
Video Games and Live-Action Integration Expand Recognition
The Annies continue acknowledging animation beyond traditional film and TV.
Best Character Animation – Video Game nominees include anticipated titles like Death Stranding 2: On the Beach, Ghost of Yōtei, and South of Midnight.
The Best Character Animation – Live Action category recognizes visual effects work in Captain America: Brave New World, How To Train Your Dragon (the live-action adaptation), and Superman.
Prehistoric Planet: Ice Age from BBC Studios earned multiple nominations, demonstrating how natural history documentaries increasingly rely on cutting-edge animation technology.
Voice Acting Recognition Spans Genres and Platforms
Outstanding voice performances earned nominations across both television and feature categories.
Dan Mintz secured recognition for voicing Tina Belcher in Bob’s Burgers, while Erika Henningsen earned a nod for Charlie Morningstar in Amazon’s Hazbin Hotel.
Feature film voice acting nominees include Arden Cho (KPop Demon Hunters), Remy Edgerly (Elio), and Maitreyi Ramakrishnan (The Twits).
These nominations reflect animation’s ability to attract diverse talent capable of bringing characters to life through vocal performance alone.
What These Nominations Mean for Animation’s Future
The 2026 Annie Awards nominations reveal several industry trends.
Streaming platforms like Netflix continue investing heavily in animated content, with multiple nominations across original films and series.
Traditional studios remain competitive, but independent international productions are gaining recognition that was once reserved for major studio releases.
The expansion of categories to include video games and live-action integration acknowledges animation’s growing influence across entertainment media.
Technical categories highlight how sophisticated modern animation has become, with specialized teams for effects, character animation, and production design all receiving dedicated recognition.
The 53rd Annie Awards ceremony takes place February 21 at UCLA’s Royce Hall, presented by ASIFA-Hollywood, the largest chapter of the international animation organization dedicated to promoting animation art and celebrating its creators.
Animation’s biggest night is approaching, and the nominees are officially here.
The 2026 Annie Awards have unveiled their nominations, spotlighting exceptional work across film, television, and streaming platforms.
Two titles are leading the pack this year with 10 nominations each, while familiar franchises and fresh voices compete for recognition in animation’s most prestigious ceremony.
Here’s everything you need to know about this year’s standout nominees and what to expect when winners are announced February 21 at UCLA’s Royce Hall.
Pixar and Sony Battle for Feature Film Dominance
Elio from Pixar Animation Studios and KPop Demon Hunters from Sony Pictures Animation are tied at the top with 10 nominations each.
Both contenders secured spots in the prestigious Best Feature category, where they’ll face stiff competition from Little Amélie or the Character of Rain (seven nominations), Zootopia 2 (seven nods), and The Bad Guys 2 (five nominations).
The battle extends beyond Best Feature, with both frontrunners earning recognition across technical categories including character animation, production design, effects, and music.
Independent Animation Gets Its Moment
The Best Feature – Independent category showcases diverse storytelling from around the globe.
Arco, which accumulated five total nominations, competes alongside A Magnificent Life, I’m Frankelda, Lost In Starlight, and Scarlet from Studio CHIZU.
This category consistently highlights international voices that might otherwise get overshadowed by major studio releases.
Television Categories Reflect Streaming’s Growing Influence
Pixar’s foray into episodic storytelling with Win or Lose earned six nominations, making it the most-nominated TV production this year.
The limited series explores multiple perspectives around a middle school softball team, demonstrating Pixar’s signature emotional depth in serialized format.
Asterix & Obelix: The Big Fight from Netflix secured five nominations, while Adult Swim’s Common Side Effects emerged as a mature animation contender with multiple nods across writing, direction, and editorial categories.
Prestige Projects Dominate Special Production
The Best Special Production category features holiday programming and experimental work:
- A Loud House Christmas Movie: Naughty or Nice
- Adult Swim’s The Elephant
- Snoopy Presents: A Summer Musical
- The Night Before Christmas in Wonderland
- Not Just a Goof
Apple continues investing in animated specials, with Snoopy Presents: A Summer Musical earning recognition for both the special itself and its music.
Lifetime Achievement Honors Go to Animation Legends
Beyond competitive categories, the Annies will present juried awards recognizing extraordinary contributions to animation.
The Windsor McCay Award for lifetime achievement will honor Christopher Miller and Phil Lord, the duo behind The LEGO Movie and Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse.
Also receiving Windsor McCay recognition: animator-writer-director Michaël Dudok de Wit (The Red Turtle) and writer-director Chris Sanders (Lilo & Stitch, How to Train Your Dragon).
Industry Support Recognized Following L.A. Wildfires
The June Foray Award, given for significant impact on the animation community, will go to producer Sandy Rabins.
Rabins led the AnimAID effort, providing crucial support to animation professionals affected by the devastating Los Angeles wildfires.
This recognition highlights the animation community’s commitment to supporting its members during crisis.
Technical Innovation and Community Building Celebrated
Wacom will receive the Ub Iwerks Award for technical achievement.
The company’s Cintiq graphics tablets and related products have become indispensable tools in modern animation production, fundamentally changing how artists create.
The Special Achievement Award goes to LightBox Expo, the annual event connecting animation filmmakers with students, fans, and industry professionals.
LightBox has grown into one of animation’s premier networking and educational events, fostering mentorship and career development.
Student Films Show Next Generation of Talent
The Best Student Film category features work from prestigious animation schools across Europe:
- “A Sparrow’s Song” from Filmakademie Baden-Württemberg
- “Acrobats” from Gobelins
- “Jour de vent” from École des Nouvelles Images
- “The Undying Pain of Existence” from Filmakademie Baden-Württemberg
- “TRASH” from ESMA
French animation schools particularly dominate this category, continuing their reputation for producing world-class animation talent.
Video Games and Live-Action Integration Expand Recognition
The Annies continue acknowledging animation beyond traditional film and TV.
Best Character Animation – Video Game nominees include anticipated titles like Death Stranding 2: On the Beach, Ghost of Yōtei, and South of Midnight.
The Best Character Animation – Live Action category recognizes visual effects work in Captain America: Brave New World, How To Train Your Dragon (the live-action adaptation), and Superman.
Prehistoric Planet: Ice Age from BBC Studios earned multiple nominations, demonstrating how natural history documentaries increasingly rely on cutting-edge animation technology.
Voice Acting Recognition Spans Genres and Platforms
Outstanding voice performances earned nominations across both television and feature categories.
Dan Mintz secured recognition for voicing Tina Belcher in Bob’s Burgers, while Erika Henningsen earned a nod for Charlie Morningstar in Amazon’s Hazbin Hotel.
Feature film voice acting nominees include Arden Cho (KPop Demon Hunters), Remy Edgerly (Elio), and Maitreyi Ramakrishnan (The Twits).
These nominations reflect animation’s ability to attract diverse talent capable of bringing characters to life through vocal performance alone.
What These Nominations Mean for Animation’s Future
The 2026 Annie Awards nominations reveal several industry trends.
Streaming platforms like Netflix continue investing heavily in animated content, with multiple nominations across original films and series.
Traditional studios remain competitive, but independent international productions are gaining recognition that was once reserved for major studio releases.
The expansion of categories to include video games and live-action integration acknowledges animation’s growing influence across entertainment media.
Technical categories highlight how sophisticated modern animation has become, with specialized teams for effects, character animation, and production design all receiving dedicated recognition.
The 53rd Annie Awards ceremony takes place February 21 at UCLA’s Royce Hall, presented by ASIFA-Hollywood, the largest chapter of the international animation organization dedicated to promoting animation art and celebrating its creators.