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Asians in Animation Impact Awards


ABOUT


​Asians in Animation is proud to recognize and celebrate the exceptional achievements, contributions, and dedication of Asian professionals in the field of animation.

This prestigious awards program shines a spotlight on individuals and teams whose creative brilliance, bold innovation, and tireless dedication are driving the future of the industry. By recognizing excellence in artistic and technical achievements, leadership, and impact, this program celebrates those who are shaping the narrative of Asian professionals in animation.

​Through this recognition, AIA aims to uplift the voices within the Asian entertainment community, foster a lasting creative culture of celebration, and inspire the next generation of storytellers across the global animation landscape.

OUR JURORS


​The award selections will be made by a distinguished jury panel that comprises industry professionals with a diverse range of expertise across the animation sector.

​These experts bring their wealth of experience, knowledge, and insight to carefully evaluate each submission.

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Clara Chan

CG Supervisor​
Sony Picture Imageworks


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Stephanie Sheh
​
Voice Actor, Voice Director, Casting Director, & ADR Writer

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Benson Shum
​
Animator & Award-Winning
​Children's Book Author


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Mehul Hirani
​​
​Founder & Director
​Studio V Sync LLP

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READ MORE
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Marc Yu
​​
​​Audio Director & Composer


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​READ MORE
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Sunmin Inn
​​
Character Designer

​Skydance Animation

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READ MORE
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Wendell Dalit
​​
Art Director
Sony Pictures Animation


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Pradipto Sengupta
​​
​Head of CFX

DreamWorks Animation

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READ MORE
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Spriha Banik
​​

​VFX Producer

Framestore

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READ MORE

AWARD CATEGORIES


EXCELLENCE IN
Creative Vision
​
​
Honors the foundation of storytelling and design.


​
​INCLUDES
Writing, Storyboarding, Character Design, Environment Design, Art Direction, Visual/Graphic Design
EXCELLENCE IN
Animation Performance

​Honors outstanding work in bringing characters and worlds to life. 

​
​
INCLUDES
2D Animation, 3D/CG Animation, Stop Motion Animation, Character Animation, Layout, Motion Design

EXCELLENCE IN
Audio & Voice
​Performance


​Honors outstanding achievements in all aspects of sound and vocal artistry that bring stories to life.​

​
INCLUDES​
Sound Design, Voice Acting, Music Composition, Sound Editing
EXCELLENCE IN
Visual Effects & ​
​Post-Production


​Honors the craft of polishing the final ​piece through visual and technical mastery.

​
​
INCLUDES
​Visual Effects, Compositing, Lighting, Rendering

EXCELLENCE IN
Production &
​Team Collaboration


​Honors exceptional contributions in coordination collaboration that ensured project success.



INCLUDES​
Production Management, Production Coordination, Technical Support, Cross-Team Collaboration

APPLY


These categories are open to short films, feature films, or documentaries.

ELIGIBILITY
Open to all Asians in Animation members. Work must be completed between January 1st, 2024 to June 30, 2025.
​

NOTE
No AI usage is permitted. Personal and Asians in Animation work are allowed, but will be judged at the same level as industry work.

Individual Submissions
Entry-Level
0 - 3 YEARS OF EXPERIENCE

Open to individuals with less than three years of professional experience in animation.

This category recognizes emerging talent who demonstrate potential, creativity, and passion for 
the craft.
Mid-Level
3 - 7 YEARS OF EXPERIENCE
​
Open to individuals with three to seven years of professional experience in animation.

​This category celebrates those who have made notable contributions with their artistic or technical abilities.
Senior-Level
7+ YEARS OF EXPERIENCE
​
Open to individuals with seven or more years of professional experience in animation.

This category honors those who have demonstrated leadership, long-term excellence, and a profound impact on the animation industry.

Team Submissions

​Teams of any experience level may submit for awards based on collective achievements.
​The submission should highlight the combined contributions and impact of all team members involved.

HONOREES


Impactful Leadership in Animation awards will honor individuals who have significantly contributed to the growth and mission of Asians in Animation.

IMPACTFUL LEADERSHIP IN ANIMATION
Asians in Animation

​
ELIGIBILITY
Open to current and past Asians in Animation volunteers.
​

GUIDELINES​
This award honors past and current Asians in Animation volunteers who have demonstrated exceptional dedication to Asians in Animation's mission and the Asian animation community worldwide.

​Nominees should exemplify collaboration, community support, and a strong commitment to furthering AIA’s mission of increasing Asian representation and storytelling within the animation industry.

IMPACTFUL LEADERHSIP IN ANIMATION
Industry Honoree
​​
​
​
ELIGIBILITY
Open to external professionals involved with Asians in Animation (current and past).
​

GUIDELINES
This award recognizes individuals who have made significant and lasting contributions to the growth and mission of Asians in Animation (AIA). It honors those who have demonstrated leadership through mentorship, speaking engagements, and ongoing support, driving the organization’s goals, expanding its reach, and enhancing its impact on the animation industry.
​
Nominees should exemplify a commitment to AIA’s core mission of elevating and celebrating Asian animated stories, while championing the voices of the global Asian animation community. Through their efforts, nominees help further AIA’s mission of increasing Asian representation and storytelling in the animation industry.

Nominate an Honoree


Review the Category Guidelines
​​Ensure that your submission aligns with the specific category you are applying for. Carefully review eligibility criteria, submission types, and content requirements.


Emphasize Originality and Intent
Submit work that authentically reflects your unique voice, creativity, and vision. The judging panel will be seeking submissions that demonstrate originality, clarity, and purpose.

​
Present Your Work Professionally
Ensure that all images, documents, and videos (if applicable) are clear, well-formatted, and of high resolution. Avoid submitting compressed or pixelated files to maintain the quality of your presentation.


Adhere to Submission Instructions
Include all required materials and ensure that files are clearly named (e.g. YourName_Category_Title). It is essential that all materials are submitted by the specified deadline.
 
​

Take Pride in Your Work and Service
Whether your work is personal or part of an Asians in Animation project, this is your opportunity to showcase your talent and contributions. Don’t be shy - celebrate your efforts!

KEY DATES


ONLINE SUBMISSION OPEN
​Oct 15 – Nov 15, 2025
SCREENING & JUDGING
​Early 2026
AWARD CEREMONY & PUBLIC REVEAL
Early 2026

If you have a submission that doesn’t fit any of the listed award categories, please feel free to contact us.
We would be happy to review and discuss it.
​
Should you require assistance with preparing your submission or have any questions regarding eligibility, please do not hesitate to contact the Asians in Animation (AIA) Awards Team. 
​

We are here to support you and look forward to celebrating your outstanding work.

​For any further inquiries, feel free to reach out to us at [email protected].
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  • About
    • Leadership
    • Partners
    • Regional Groups
    • Writer's Group
    • 2024 Impact Report
    • AIA AWARDS
  • PROGRAMS
    • Feature Pre-Production Program >
      • Casting | Feature Pre-Production Program
    • CG Short Production Program
    • 2D Short Production Program
    • Past Production Initiatives >
      • Development Lab
      • 2D IMMERSIVE LAB 2025 >
        • FAQ
      • TV PILOT LAB 2025 >
        • Crew
        • Updates
      • 2D IMMERSIVE LAB 2024
  • PRODUCTIONS
    • Bé Hông - 2D Short Film
    • TEA LEAVES LAST – Original TV Pilot
  • Events
    • Community Summit 2025
    • Past Events >
      • 2024 Town Hall
      • Career Summit 2024
      • Immersive Lab 2024 Workshops
      • Career Summit 2023
  • Get Involved
    • Become A Member
    • Update My Profile
    • Volunteer with Us
    • Partner With Us
    • Support Us
  • News
    • Press Releases
  • Support Us