Mike Judge To Receive Annecy’s Honorary Cristal For Career Achievement

Iconic producer, writer, and animator, Mike Judge, will receive an Honorary Cristal at the 2026 Annecy International Animation Film Festival, which runs June 21–27.

The festival will recognize Judge’s decades-long career and his lasting influence on the adult animation TV landscape. Judge is best known as the co-creator of King of the Hill and the creator of Beavis and Butt-Head, two landmark series that helped define adult-oriented animation in the 1990s and beyond. More recently, he spearheaded the brilliant stop-motion series In the Know, executive-produced Common Side Effects (one of 2025’s best new shows), and has rebooted his two best-loved properties in modern-day adaptations that haven’t lost a beat. His live-action work, including Office Space, Idiocracy, and Silicon Valley, has proved equally impactful, ranging from cult classics to generation-defining touchstones.

Among his many virtues as a writer and creator is his ability to adapt over time, with the work he has done over the last decade proving just as poignant as when Beavis and Butt-Head first blew up on MTV. His work regularly blends sharp social satire with a grounded sense of character, influencing multiple generations of artists working in comedy and animation.

Annecy artistic director Marcel Jean said of the selection:

Mike Judge is a cultural icon who has created legendary characters, pioneered new formats, and seamlessly transitioned from animation to live action. His visit is a momentous occasion that reflects our determination to highlight the dynamism, social relevance, and rebellious audacity of American animation series for adults. Mike Judge’s influence on two generations of creators is undeniable: he has taken social satire to new heights, and we wanted to celebrate his work and him.

Judge will appear at the festival for a special screening event celebrating his career. He will be joined by King of the Hill executive producers Greg Daniels, the show’s co-creator, and Saladin K. Patterson, who serves as showrunner on the revival. The event will include a conversation about the cultural legacy of both King of the Hill and Beavis and Butt-Head, along with an exclusive preview of King of the Hill’s upcoming 15th season and a signing session with fans.

Annecy’s Honorary Cristal is the festival’s highest lifetime recognition. Previous recipients include influential animation figures such as Matt Groening, Joanna Quinn, and Terry Gilliam.