About the Program
Asians in Animation is proud to recognize and celebrate the exceptional achievements, visionary contributions, and dedicated service 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 not only to uplift the voices within the Asian entertainment community, but to foster a lasting creative culture of celebration, and to inspire the next generation of storytellers across the global animation landscape.
Categories
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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 Visual Effects & Post-Production
Honors the craft of polishing the final piece through visual and technical mastery. Includes: Visual Effects, Compositing, Lighting, Rendering |
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Excellence in Audio & Voice Performance
Recognizing outstanding achievements in all aspects of sound and vocal artistry that bring stories to life. Includes: Sound Design, Voice Acting, Music Composition, and Sound Editing |
Excellence in Production & Team Collaboration
Acknowledges exceptional contributions in production management, coordination, technical support, and cross-team collaboration that ensured project success. |
Eligibility for Categories Above
These categories are open to short films, feature films, or documentaries.
Individual Submissions:
Individual Submissions:
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Entry-Level (0-3 years of professional 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 professional 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 professional 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.
Eligibility: Open to all Asians in Animation members, for work 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.
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.
Eligibility: Open to all Asians in Animation members, for work 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.
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.
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 Leadership in Animation - Industry Honoree Award
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.
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.
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.
Jury
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. This panel includes thought leaders, accomplished creators, and executives from leading animation studios, organizations, and educational institutions. These experts bring their wealth of experience, knowledge, and insight to carefully evaluate each submission, ensuring that only the most deserving individuals and teams are recognized for their outstanding contributions to the animation industry and the Asian animation community.
Nominate an Honoree
Nomination Tips
- Review the Category Guidelines Thoroughly
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 Period: Oct 15 – Nov 15 2025
Screening & Judging Period: Early 2026
Award Ceremony & Public Reveal: Early 2026
Screening & Judging Period: Early 2026
Award Ceremony & Public Reveal: Early 2026
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].
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].
