KPOP Demon Hunters Triumphs with Ten Wins at the 53rd Annie Awards
KPOP Demon Hunters Triumphs with Ten Wins at the 53rd Annie Awards
On February 22, 2026, KPOP Demon Hunters, produced by Sony Pictures Animation for Netflix, achieved remarkable recognition at the 53rd Annie Awards, securing the Best Feature accolade along with an impressive total of nine additional honors. This event took place on the UCLA campus and celebrated the outstanding artistry in animation.
Celebrating Excellence in Animation
The film, KPOP Demon Hunters, stunned audiences and judges alike, taking home awards in the following categories:
- - Best FX - Feature: Awarded to Filippo Macari and his talented team
- - Best Character Animation - Feature: A tribute to Ryusuke Furuya's brilliant work
- - Best Character Design - Feature: Honoring Scott Watanabe and Ami Thompson for their creativity
- - Best Direction - Feature: Recognized Maggie Kang and Chris Appelhans for their outstanding vision
- - Best Music - Feature: The KPOP Demon Hunters Music Team captured the essence of the film’s vibrant score
- - Best Production Design - Feature: Acknowledging the collective efforts of Helen Chen, Dave Bleich, and others
- - Best Voice Acting - Feature: Featuring Arden Cho as Rumi’s outstanding performance
- - Best Writing - Feature: For the collaborative effort of Danya Jimenez, Hannah McMechan, Maggie Kang, and Chris Appelhans
- - Best Editorial - Feature: Recognition of the editorial team’s hard work and dedication
More Winners and Special Recognitions
The event also honored other exceptional works, such as Arco, awarded Best Feature - Independent, and Snoopy Presents A Summer Musical, which won Best Special Production. Notable short films like Snow Bear also took home accolades, showcasing a diverse range of talent within the animation industry.
Juried awards were another highlight of the night, with the Winsor McCay Award celebrating the lifetime achievements of acclaimed animator Michaël Dudok de Wit, along with industry luminaries Christopher Miller and Phil Lord. The June Foray Award honored Sandy Rabins for his humanitarian efforts supporting the animation community.
Technical advancements were recognized with the Ub Iwerks Award, presented to Wacom for their contributions through innovation in animation tools, particularly the Cintiq graphics tablet. The Special Achievement Award acknowledged LightBox Expo for its unique role in bringing together animation professionals, students, and fans.
Impact and Future Outlook
The Annie Awards, established in 1972 by voice actress June Foray, have long been a beacon of excellence in the animation field. These awards, orchestrated by ASIFA-Hollywood, unite the global animation community through celebration and recognition of innovative storytelling and artistry.
The 53rd Annie Awards, with sponsors including major players like DreamWorks Animation, Netflix, and Warner Bros. Animation, not only highlighted the achievements of this year’s nominees and winners but also emphasized the collaborative nature of the animation industry.
With an ever-growing audience and an increasing number of platforms to showcase animated content, the future looks bright for creative storytelling in this medium. Excitement builds for the next Annie Awards as industry talent continues to push the boundaries of animation.
In the weeks to come, video highlights from the ceremony will be available on the Annie Awards' official website, allowing fans and industry insiders alike to relive the magic of this special night.
For more information and updates, please visit ASIFA-Hollywood.
Topics Entertainment & Media）
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