Category: Guilds/Unions/Organizations

Filmmaker Jerry Bruckheimer and Wētā Workshop co-founder Sir Richard Taylor to be honored at February gala ceremony hosted by the Sklar Brothers.

Best Animated Feature nominees ‘Elio,’ ‘Little Amélie or the Character of Rain,’ ‘KPop Demon Hunters,’ ‘The Bad Guys 2,’ and ‘Zootopia 2’ top the expansive list of category nominations; animation’s biggest awards ceremony is scheduled to return live on Saturday, February 21 at UCLA’s Royce Hall

The Advanced Imaging Society has partnered with the famed performer’s daughter, Lorna Luft, to establish the new award that honors individuals whose ‘artistry, imagination, and cultural influence embody the highest ideals in entertainment.’

VFX category narrowed down to 10 films, animated shorts to 15; voting for nominations runs next month, January 12-16, with nomination announcements set for January 22, 2026.

‘KPop Demon Hunters’ scores nods for best animated feature, best cinematic and box office achievement, and best original song, while ‘Arco,’ ‘Demon Slayer,’ ‘Elio,’ ‘Little Amélie or the Character of Rain’ and ‘Zootopia 2’ are all nominated for best animated motion picture; awards ceremony set for January 11.

Academy members will vote to determine five nominees for best animated feature film award at the 99th Oscars; films also qualify for other categories including best picture.

The annual event that recognizes the animation industry’s most talented artists and projects returns to UCLA’s Royce Hall on Saturday, February 21, 2026.

This year’s Student Animation Showcase film selections are all from Ringling College of Art and Design; each to receive ASIFA-Hollywood membership and free submissions to the Annie Awards.