Submissions opened Monday for the 54th Annie Awards, which will return to UCLA’s Royce Hall next year to honor excellence in animation.
The Annie Awards, presented by ASIFA-Hollywood, will be held Feb. 20 and recognize excellence in 37 categories, including animated feature, television and media productions, short subjects and student films.
Organizers also announced the addition of a new category, Best International Anime Production for TV/Media.
“This new Annie Award shall be given to a worldwide TV/Media production that features Anime-centric elements that are inspired, styled and/or designed employing traditional anime techniques, tropes and/or themes,” Annie Awards Executive Producer Michael Paxton said in a statement.
Eligible productions must have been released in the United States between Jan. 1 and Dec. 31, 2026, although some categories, including short subjects, student films and sponsored productions, are exempt from the U.S. release requirement, organizers said.
Submissions will be accepted through Nov. 30. Nominations are scheduled to be announced Jan. 20, with winners to be honored during the Annie Awards ceremony.
ASIFA-Hollywood also announced that applications for judges and honorary award nominations will open later this year.
Created in 1972 by veteran voice actress June Foray, the Annie Awards have grown into one of animation’s top honors.