The 53rd Annie Awards Nominations: What You Need to Know
The 53rd Annual Annie Awards — one of the animation industry’s most anticipated honours — has officially released its nominations for 2026, covering the best in animated feature films, independent productions, television series, and a breadth of creative achievements. Organized by the International Animated Film Society (ASIFA-Hollywood), the Annie Awards celebrate excellence in the art and craft of animation across dozens of categories. Annie Awards
- The 53rd Annie Awards Nominations: What You Need to Know
- Leading Features: Elio and KPop Demon Hunters Dominate
- Independent Animation Gets Its Spotlight
- Television and Media Nominees
- Beyond Competitive Categories: Special Honours
- What the Nominations Mean for Awards Season
- Ceremony Highlights and Expectations
This year’s ceremony is scheduled for February 21, 2026, at Royce Hall on the UCLA campus in Los Angeles, with nominees drawing wide attention as potential frontrunners heading into the awards season. PR Newswire
Leading Features: Elio and KPop Demon Hunters Dominate
In the Best Animated Feature race, two films stand out with top nominations:
- Elio (Pixar Animation Studios) has earned significant attention as one of the most nominated films this year. PR Newswire
- KPop Demon Hunters (Sony Pictures Animation for Netflix) matches Elio with an equal number of nominations and stands as a major contender.
Also nominated in the feature category are Little Amélie or the Character of Rain, The Bad Guys 2, and Zootopia 2 — representing a rich diversity in animated storytelling and artistic approaches.
These nominations not only reflect the creative strengths of major animation studios like Pixar and Disney but also underline how global and genre-blending films like KPop Demon Hunters are reshaping audience expectations and critical acclaim. TheWrap
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Independent Animation Gets Its Spotlight
The Annies continue to acknowledge independent and smaller-scale animations alongside studio powerhouses:
- A Magnificent Life
- Arco — Remembers
- I’m Frankelda
- Lost in Starlight
- Scarlet
These films are nominated in the Best Animated Feature – Independent category, showcasing the depth and variety of animated productions beyond mainstream releases. Independent nominees often bring unique visual styles and storytelling perspectives to the field, earning well-deserved recognition at the Annies. PR Newswire
Television and Media Nominees
Animation on the small screen also shines among this year’s picks. Television categories feature standout productions like:
- Win or Lose — leading the TV/Media nominations and recognized for its inventive narrative structure.
- Asterix & Obelix: The Big Fight
- Common Side Effects
- Snoopy Presents: A Summer Musical
- Devil May Cry
These nominations underscore animation’s vibrant presence on television platforms and streaming services, where series and specials continue to push creative boundaries. TheWrap
Beyond Competitive Categories: Special Honours
In addition to competitive categories, the Annies also recognize significant contributions to the animation community with honorary awards:
- Winsor McCay Award — acknowledging lifetime or career contributions to animation.
- June Foray Award — celebrating benevolent impact within the animation profession.
- Ub Iwerks Award — highlighting technical innovation.
- Special Achievement Award — given to events or accomplishments that fall outside standard categories.
These juried recognitions add depth to the festivities, honouring individuals and collective achievements that have significantly shaped the animation landscape. PR Newswire
What the Nominations Mean for Awards Season
The Annie Awards have traditionally been a bellwether for industry sentiment, especially as animated features and series compete for attention in broader awards circuits. Historically, films that perform well at the Annies often continue to garner accolades during awards season, including potential Oscar recognition. Annie Awards
For example, Elio and KPop Demon Hunters — both leading the Annie nominations — are seen as strong contenders not just within the Annie Awards but on other major stages where animated films are honoured. TheWrap
Ceremony Highlights and Expectations
The Annie Awards ceremony, set for Saturday, February 21, 2026, aims to be a vibrant celebration of animation’s finest contributions from the past year. The red carpet and awards presentation at UCLA’s Royce Hall promise to bring together creators, voice talent, directors, and industry professionals in honouring achievements across 37 categories. PR Newswire
Whether you’re an animation enthusiast, industry expert, or casual viewer, the Annies offer a compelling snapshot of where animated storytelling is headed — blending innovation, artistry, and entertainment on both big and small screens. Annie Awards
This article summarizes the latest verified announcements regarding the 2026 Annie Awards nominations. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, details may be updated by organizers as the awards season progresses. This content is for informational purposes and does not constitute official endorsements or sponsorship.
