Los Angeles, CA – A diverse array of animated productions, including the highly anticipated “Chainsaw Man: The Movie: Reze Arc,” Mamoru Hosoda’s “Scarlet,” Netflix’s “KPop Demon Hunters,” and the television anime “DAN DA DAN,” have secured multiple nominations for the 53rd Annie Awards. The prestigious accolades, presented by ASIFA-Hollywood, celebrate excellence in animation across film, television, and video games, with winners set to be announced on February 21, 2026, in Los Angeles.
The nominations highlight a strong year for international and genre-spanning animation, showcasing both major studio releases and critically acclaimed independent works.
“KPop Demon Hunters” and “Elio” Lead Feature Film Categories
Leading the pack in feature film nominations are Sony Pictures Animation and Netflix’s “KPop Demon Hunters” and Pixar Animation Studios’ “Elio,” both garnering an impressive 10 nominations each. These films are strong contenders for the coveted Best Feature award. “KPop Demon Hunters” received nods across numerous categories including Best Feature, Best FX – Feature, Best Character Animation – Feature, Best Character Design – Feature, Best Direction – Feature, Best Music – Feature, Best Production Design – Feature, Best Voice Acting – Feature, Best Writing – Feature, and Best Editorial – Feature. “Elio” also competed in categories such as Best Feature, Best Writing – Feature, and Best Character Animation – Feature.
Other significant nominees in the Best Feature category include “Little Amélie or the Character of Rain,” “The Bad Guys 2,” and “Zootopia 2.”
Anime Productions Make a Strong Showing
Japanese animation, often a highlight at the Annie Awards, has received significant recognition this year.
“Chainsaw Man: The Movie: Reze Arc” for Best Direction
The cinematic adaptation, “Chainsaw Man: The Movie: Reze Arc” from MAPPA Studios, earned a nomination for Best Direction – Feature, with Tatsuya Yoshihara cited for the achievement. This recognition underscores the film’s directorial prowess in bringing the popular manga to the big screen.
“Scarlet” Nominated for Independent Feature and Craft Awards
Mamoru Hosoda and Studio CHIZU’s new anime film, “Scarlet,” has been nominated in the Best Feature – Independent category. Additionally, Hosoda received individual nominations for Best Direction – Feature and Best Writing – Feature for his work on “Scarlet.” This demonstrates the film’s strong narrative and artistic vision.
“DAN DA DAN” Recognized for TV/Media Direction
The television anime series “DAN DA DAN” secured a nomination for Best Direction – TV/Media for its episode “Clash! Space Kaiju vs. Giant Robot!” Fuga Yamashiro and Abel Góngora were specifically recognized for their direction in this episode, highlighting the series’ dynamic animation and storytelling.
Understanding the Annie Awards’ Significance
The Annie Awards, presented annually by ASIFA-Hollywood, are considered the animation industry’s highest honor in the United States and are often a strong indicator for the Academy Awards’ Best Animated Feature category. Since their inception in 1972, the awards have expanded to recognize excellence across 37 diverse categories, including features, series, shorts, commissioned films, video games, visual effects, and individual craft achievements.
Membership in ASIFA-Hollywood, which includes professionals, enthusiasts, and students, plays a crucial role in the balloting process, with selected professional members voting to decide the awards.
The Road to the 53rd Annie Awards Ceremony
As the animation community looks forward to the awards night, the wide range of nominations reflects the global growth and artistic innovation within the medium. The 53rd Annie Awards ceremony will take place on Saturday, February 21, 2026, at UCLA’s Royce Hall in Los Angeles. The event will also honor lifetime achievements and significant contributions to the animation community with Juried Awards, including the Winsor McCay Award, the June Foray Award, and the Ub Iwerks Award.
