The 2026 Annie Awards nominations have been announced, with 'Elio' and 'KPop Demon Hunters' leading film categories, each receiving 10 nominations. Top TV nominees include 'Win or Lose' and 'Asterix & Obelix: The Big Fight'. The awards will also honor lifetime achievements and contributions to animation, with the ceremony scheduled for February 21 at UCLA.
The article previews a diverse lineup of highly anticipated movies for 2026, including sequels, franchise entries, animated films, and major productions from renowned directors like Spielberg and Nolan, covering genres from horror and sci-fi to romance and family entertainment.
An episode of the children's cartoon series 'Prostokvashino' features an animated portrayal of President Vladimir Putin, voiced by Dmitry Grachev, as part of a New Year celebration in Moscow, highlighting Russia's use of soft power through popular media.
The SpongeBob Movie: Search For SquarePants is a visually lively but ultimately exhausting and somewhat flat adventure that primarily appeals to children and dedicated fans, featuring silly jokes and familiar characters without much innovation or excitement for adults.
The upcoming 'The Legend of Aang: The Last Airbender' movie will skip theatrical release and debut on Paramount+ next fall, with a new 2D series 'Avatar: Seven Havens' also launching on the platform, expanding the Avatar universe.
Industrial Light & Magic has created a festive, gingerbread-themed short reimagining the trench run scene from Star Wars: A New Hope, blending holiday cheer with creative artistry to inspire young fans and celebrate the saga during the holiday season.
A French supermarket's Christmas ad, 'Unloved,' tells the heartfelt story of a lonely wolf who learns to cook and finds acceptance, resonating globally for its authentic, handcrafted animation and emotional depth, contrasting with AI-generated content and highlighting the power of human storytelling.
The creators of 'Smiling Friends' discuss their approach to balancing plot and absurdity in Season 3, the evolution of character relationships, fan interpretations, and their plans for the show's future, emphasizing the importance of having fun and ending on a high note like The Beatles.
Netflix canceled the controversial animated revival of the classic sitcom Good Times after one season due to widespread backlash and accusations of racism, marking a disappointing end to the series' attempt to modernize the beloved original.
Pixar has released the teaser trailer for 'Toy Story 5,' set to premiere on June 19, 2026, featuring the toys dealing with modern technology as Bonnie gets a new tablet, with the film helmed by Andrew Stanton and including new characters voiced by Greta Lee and Conan O’Brien.
The first trailer for Toy Story 5 reveals that the film will explore how modern technology impacts the beloved toys, with new character Lilypad voiced by Greta Lee, and features returning voices like Tom Hanks and Tim Allen. The movie, set to release on June 19, highlights the evolution of animation and the influence of technology on the toy universe.
Sony Pictures Animation has confirmed a sequel to the hit Netflix film KPop Demon Hunters, set for release in 2029. The original, which became the most-watched movie on Netflix and grossed over $25 million in the US, features a vibrant anime-inspired style and a mix of Korean mythology and pop culture. While details are scarce, the sequel will see the return of key creators and potentially explore new storylines involving the main characters and their adventures.
RedRover is developing 'Rainmakers,' an animated film directed by Lee Seok-hoon that integrates K-pop aesthetics and music into its story about unlikely allies fighting a corporate threat, marking the studio's first K-pop-driven project, alongside other upcoming films like 'The Nut Job 3' and 'MegaRacer.'
Halloween weekend at the box office was unusually weak, with no new major releases and the top movies earning less than $10 million, including a 40-year-old classic in the top 10, marking the worst October since 1997 and the lowest grossing weekend of 2025 so far.
Ramsey Naito has left her position as president of Paramount Animation amid company restructuring following its merger with Skydance, which includes significant layoffs. Naito, known for revitalizing popular franchises like SpongeBob and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, expressed pride in her work and gratitude to her team. The company praised her contributions and leadership as it moves forward with new strategic priorities.