54th Annie Awards Open Submissions, Add Anime Category

ASIFA-Hollywood has opened submissions for the 54th Annie Awards, which will be held on February 20, 2027, at UCLA’s Royce Hall in Los Angeles.

This year’s awards will recognize work across 37 categories, including animated feature, independent animated feature, television/media, sponsored production, short subject, and student film. The organization has also introduced a new category for Best International Anime Production for TV/Media.

According to the Annies, the award will recognize television and media productions from around the world that employ elements, techniques, tropes, or themes associated with anime.

“In keeping up with the animation industry’s growth, we’re excited to add a new category,” said Annie Awards executive producer Michael Paxton.

Eligible productions must have been released in the United States between January 1 and December 31, 2026. Short subjects, special projects, sponsored productions, student films, and films competing at Annie Award-qualifying festivals may submit without a U.S. release.

Submissions will remain open through November 30, with fees ranging from $200 to $325 depending on when payment is received.

Nominations and honorary juried award recipients will be announced January 20, 2027. Online voting will run February 8–14.

ASIFA-Hollywood is also accepting honorary juried award nominations through October 12. Applications to serve on the nominating committees open the same day; prospective judges do not need to be ASIFA-Hollywood members but must possess established animation careers and relevant professional credentials.

More info can be found here.