Annie Awards

The Annie Awards, presented annually by the International Animated Film Association (ASIFA-Hollywood), are a prestigious event in the animation industry, often referred to as the "Animation Oscars." Established in 1972, the awards recognize outstanding achievements in various areas of animation, including feature films, short subjects, television productions, and individual accomplishments.

The Best Animated Feature category honors the finest animated feature film of the year, acknowledging the collective efforts of directors, writers, animators, and voice actors. The Best Animated Short Subject category celebrates the best animated short film, which can be produced for theatrical release or as an independent project. The Best Animated Television/Media Production category recognizes exceptional work in animated television series, specials, or other media productions.

Individual Achievement Awards honor exceptional work in various areas of animation, such as character animation, character design, storyboarding, voice acting, music, editing, and production design. Special Achievement Awards, including the Winsor McCay Award for lifetime achievement, the June Foray Award for voice acting, and the Ub Iwerks Award for technical advancement, recognize significant contributions to the art of animation.

The Annie Awards are typically held in the Los Angeles area, attended by industry professionals, animators, and enthusiasts. The event not only celebrates the best in animation but also promotes the art form and encourages creativity and innovation in the field.

Over the years, the Annie Awards have honored notable figures in the animation industry, such as Walt Disney, Max Fleischer, Chuck Jones, Walter Lantz, Bill Hanna, and Joe Barbera, among the earliest Annie honorees. Today, ASIFA-Hollywood continues the tradition of recognizing those who've made lasting contributions to the art through the Winsor McCay Lifetime Achievement Award and other special awards.

In addition to the Annie Awards, ASIFA-Hollywood supports the animation community year-round through education, preservation of classic animated films, monthly membership screenings, and the Animation Aid program for artists in need. The animation industry has grown significantly in recent years, and ASIFA-Hollywood's role in promoting and supporting the art form remains as vital as ever.