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53rd Annie Awards Open for Entries

Today marks the official start of the entry period for the 53rd Annie Awards™, one of the most esteemed recognitions in the animation industry. The ceremony is scheduled to take place on February 21, 2026, at the iconic Royce Hall, UCLA. This prestigious event aims to honor the outstanding creativity and excellence within the animation arena across 37 distinct categories such as Animated Feature, TV/Media Production, and Student Films, to name a few.

Important Dates and Submission Details

Entries are accepted from now until November 9, 2025. Submissions should reflect animated productions that were released between January 1 and December 31, 2025. Noteworthy exceptions apply to categories such as short subjects, special projects, and student films, allowing for submissions regardless of U.S. public release status.

The fees for submission vary between $200 to $325, depending on the timing of the entry. To maximize benefits, early submissions are encouraged as they receive more favorable rates. It’s essential for all animated professionals and studios to take advantage of this opportunity and showcase their talent.

Judging and Nominations

In addition to entries, the Annie Awards also invite nominations for Honorary Juried Awards, which are open until October 13, 2025. From September 1 through October 13, 2025, ASIFA-Hollywood will also be accepting applications for judges. Individuals wishing to serve on a nominating committee must possess a robust background in animation, and applying does not require ASIFA-Hollywood membership, making it accessible to a broad range of animation professionals.

Upcoming Milestones

Here’s a timeline of key upcoming dates leading to the awards ceremony:
1. September 1, 2025 - Start of the Call for Judges
2. October 13, 2025 - Application deadline for Judges
3. November 9, 2025 - Final submission deadline for entries
4. January 5, 2026 - Nominations and recipients of Juried Awards will be announced
5. February 6, 2026 - Online balloting opens
6. February 14, 2026 - Deadline to cast ballots
7. February 21, 2026 - The 53rd Annie Awards Ceremony

The Annie Awards, founded in 1972 by the legendary voice actress June Foray, have evolved significantly over the past five decades, continuously celebrating the artistry and passion of animation. Nowadays, ASIFA-Hollywood stands as the largest chapter within the international organization ASIFA, supporting an array of animation-related initiatives, including the Animation Archive and various preservation efforts.

For more details and up-to-the-minute announcements regarding the 53rd Annie Awards, please visit the official website at annieawards.org. Also, for insights into ASIFA-Hollywood's endeavors, check out asifa-hollywood.org.

The 53rd Annie Awards™ promises to be a remarkable celebration of animated creativity, making it the perfect event for animation enthusiasts and professionals to engage, network, and showcase their hard work in a rapidly evolving industry.