Pete Docter Joins The 24 Hours Animation Contest For Students, Kicking Off Oct. 3

On October 3, the 24 Hours Animation Contest for Students will be back to challenge young artists around the world to make a complete 30-second short in just one day. No prep. No shortcuts. Just 24 hours of pure creative chaos.

The twist is part of the fun. Teams don’t even know the theme until the clock starts ticking. This year, the big reveal comes with an even bigger flourish, as Pixar chief creative officer and Oscar-winning filmmaker Pete Docter will step in to deliver the kickoff message and announce the theme live at 3:00 p.m. PT on the Toon Boom Animation YouTube channel.

Now in its 23rd year, the contest has grown far beyond its California roots. Hosted by Aubry Mintz, animation professor at Cal State Long Beach and executive director of ASIFA-Hollywood, it has become the largest student animation competition in the world, drawing more than 15,000 participants from 240 schools across 35 countries since its start.

According to Mintz:

This event is more than a contest — it’s a transformative experience that takes students beyond the classroom, showing them the power of teamwork, while chasing a shared creative vision. What began as a challenge has become a global celebration that rises above borders and politics, connecting students everywhere through their shared love of animation. Having Pete Docter join us this year sends a powerful message: the animation community believes in the next generation, and that belief will inspire students to push their imagination further than they ever thought possible.

The contest is known not only for its strict deadline but also for its scope. In just 24 hours, teams have produced work in every style imaginable: CG, 2D, stop-motion, motion graphics, and experimental pieces, often with original music created on the day of. Seven teams will walk away with prize packs that last year totaled over $120,000, thanks to a sponsor roster that includes Disney, Pixar, DreamWorks, Netflix, Sony, Nickelodeon, Warner Bros, Lucasfilm Animation, Skydance, Cartoon Saloon, Bento Box, and ASIFA-Hollywood, among others.

Mintz added:

Our sponsors have gone above and beyond — not only fueling this contest with incredible prizes (including cash) but also breaking down barriers so underserved students can access the tools they need to compete. The level of creativity and dedication they pour into such an intense challenge is nothing short of awe-inspiring.

A jury of industry heavyweights will take on judging duties, with names like Toby Cochran (Netflix, Disney, Marvel), Nina Gantz (Oscar-nominated director of Edmond), and Carol Wyatt (Rick and Morty, The Simpsons) among the lineup.

Registration closes September 26, so interested parties have one week to sign up. The contest takes place on October 3, and winners will be announced during a livestream on October 17.