The British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA) has officially unveiled its nominees for this year’s Best Animated Film, marking a significant milestone: 20 years since the category was established in its contemporary form.
Whether you are a professional cartoonist, an animation enthusiast, or a casual film buff, this year’s lineup and the history behind the award offer a fascinating look at the evolution of the medium.
The 2026 Contenders
This year’s race is tight, featuring three distinct styles of storytelling that reflect the diversity of modern animation:
- “Elio”: Pixar’s latest cosmic adventure.
- “Little Amelie or The Character of Rain”: An artistic standout.
- “Zootopia 2”: The highly anticipated sequel from Disney.
A notable absence this year is “KPop Demon Hunters”, which was deemed ineligible due to U.K. theatrical release guidelines. With the winner being announced on February 22, all eyes are on how this will influence the momentum heading into the Oscars on March 15.
Two Decades of Animation Excellence
Since “Happy Feet” took home the inaugural trophy in 2007, the BAFTAs have balanced Hollywood blockbusters with unique international gems.
The Aardman Connection
For a British award, the recognition of Aardman Animations is a recurring theme. Despite multiple nominations for beloved titles like Shaun the Sheep and Chicken Run, the studio didn’t secure a win in this specific category until last year, when “Wallace & Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl” finally claimed the prize.
BAFTA vs. The Oscars
While the BAFTAs and Oscars often align—as seen with classics like WALL-E, Up, and Coco—the British Academy is known for its independent streak.
- In 2015, “The LEGO Movie” won the BAFTA despite being famously snubbed by the Oscars.
- In 2017, the stop-motion masterpiece “Kubo and the Two Strings” pulled off a surprise victory over Disney heavyweights like Moana and Zootopia.
- International features like Spain’s “Klaus” and Japan’s “The Boy and the Heron” have also found significant glory here.
Why It Matters for Creators
For those of us in the world of cartooning and illustration, the BAFTAs represent the pinnacle of how “drawings” can capture the global imagination. From the minimalist charm of early winners to the complex CGI and stop-motion of today, these 20 years prove that the art of animation is only getting stronger.
Stay tuned for the results on February 22 as we see which film joins the hall of fame!
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