animayo gran canaria annie awards 2026

Animayo Gran Canaria named world’s top festival by Annie Awards

Animayo Gran Canaria strengthens international standing with Annie Awards inclusion

Animayo Gran Canaria has reinforced its international standing by being included in the first ever global list of festivals that qualify for the Annie Awards, widely regarded as the animation industry’s equivalent of the Oscars. The festival, which is celebrating its 21st edition this year, becomes the only Spanish event selected by ASIFA-Hollywood in a list comprising just seven world-class festivals, including Annecy (France), Ottawa (Canada) and Animation is Film (United States).

A milestone for Spanish animation

This recognition adds to another milestone that sets Animayo apart: it has been the only festival in Spain qualifying for the Oscars in the category of Best International Animated Short Film since 2018, and in the ‘Animation con’ category, dedicated to works in Spanish, since 2022. To date, productions featured in its awards have achieved five nominations, seven shortlist inclusions and one Oscar for Best Animated Short Film.

Dates and programme for the 21st edition

The 21st edition of Animayo is taking place in person from 6 to 9 May in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, with a programme that will continue online until September and, from June onwards, will travel to other islands in the archipelago in an adapted format.

The festival’s director and founder, Damián Perea, described this latest recognition as ‘an immense honour and the fruit of many years of hard work and constant dedication.’ Perea also stressed the collective nature of the achievement, highlighting the involvement of a team that has helped build a community of artists which, after more than two decades, has become ‘a true family.’

Industry heavyweights and a packed schedule

This year’s programme will bring together more than 40 international guests from Europe, the United States and Canada, linked to studios including Pixar, Disney, Warner Bros, DreamWorks and Skydance Animation. The agenda features 13 masterclasses, 12 educational talks, six workshops, six official competition sections, three panels and more than 20 hours of professional activities such as recruitment sessions and portfolio reviews. Also noteworthy is the international exhibition ‘The Visual World of Alan Bodner’ and the participation of around 20 schools, universities and artists.

A platform born on the island

Backed by the Cabildo of Gran Canaria – La Isla de Mi Vida, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria City Council, the Government of the Canary Islands and various public and private bodies, Animayo is establishing itself as a global platform connecting talent, industry and market, while staying true to its roots as an initiative born on the island.

Source

Scroll to Top