The Animayo Gran Canaria animation festival has concluded with two family-centric films, '18 Months' and 'Because Today is Saturday', receiving the highest honors. These celebrated works are now eligible to compete in both the Academy Awards and the Annie Awards, marking a significant milestone for the festival and the animated film industry in Spain. The recognition underscores Animayo's growing international influence and its commitment to showcasing compelling, emotionally rich storytelling.

The festival's director and founder, Damián Perea, emphasized the importance of Animayo's inclusion in the Annie Awards list, highlighting it as a testament to the festival's dedication over two decades. This acknowledgment solidifies Gran Canaria's position as a vital hub for animation, bridging local talent with the global animation community. The event not only celebrates artistic achievement but also fosters discussions on the future trajectory of animated storytelling.

Animayo's Prestigious Recognitions and Award-Winning Films

Animayo Gran Canaria, a prominent Spanish animation festival, recently concluded by bestowing its premier awards upon two captivating, family-oriented animated features: “18 Months” and “Because Today is Saturday.” Both films have achieved a remarkable feat by becoming eligible for the highly coveted Oscars, as Animayo holds the distinction of being the sole animation festival in Spain recognized by the Academy for two categories: the Grand Jury Prize and Best Animated Short Film with Ñ. This recognition further extends to the Annie Awards, as Animayo has been newly included in the list of qualifying festivals by ASIFA-Hollywood, amplifying its global standing and prestige within the animation industry. This dual eligibility marks a significant moment for Spanish animation, propelling these films onto the international stage for broader critical acclaim.

The film “18 Months,” directed by Paulo García and Natalia Gouvea, earned the distinguished Animayo Gran Canaria 2026 'La Isla de mi Vida' Grand Jury Prize, along with a cash prize of €3,000. This stop-motion animation impressed the international jury with its profound exploration of unconventional family formation, drawing inspiration from true events. Jurors lauded its artistic excellence, sensitive direction, and emotional resonance in tackling universal themes such as love, anticipation, and motherhood. Concurrently, “Because Today Is Saturday,” helmed by Alice Eça Guimarães, secured the award for best animated short film with Ñ. Guimarães's work, which has been highlighted by Variety as a notable Portuguese Animation Talent, delves into the challenges women face with unpaid domestic work, often leaving them with limited time for personal growth. The jury commended its authentic and sensitive narrative, which successfully transforms a personal experience into a universal reflection on modern life and gender roles. These films exemplify the festival's commitment to promoting diverse narratives and innovative animation techniques.

Global Reach and Thematic Depth in Animation

Animayo's burgeoning international recognition is a direct outcome of a synergistic vision shared with local government and tourism bodies, including the Cabildo de Gran Canaria, Turismo de Gran Canaria, and Promotur Turismo de Islas Canarias. This sustained collaboration, spanning over two decades, has positioned Gran Canaria as a celebrated meeting point for global talent, major studios, and emerging creators within the animation sphere. By fostering this vibrant ecosystem, Animayo successfully connects local artists with the broader international animation community, solidifying its role as a crucial platform for cultural exchange and industry development. The festival's ability to attract a wide array of submissions and prestigious juries reflects its growing influence and importance in the global animation landscape, cementing its status as a premier event for animated storytelling and innovation.

The festival’s selection process saw an overwhelming response, with over 2,000 projects from 78 countries competing for recognition. From this vast pool, 915 projects advanced to the initial selection phase, culminating in a highly competitive official shortlist of 75 films for Animayo Gran Canaria 2026. The international jury, comprising esteemed professionals from leading animation studios such as Walt Disney Animation Studios, Pixar, and DreamWorks, meticulously evaluated submissions across various categories. France led the submission count with 177 works, followed by Spain (102), the U.S. (65), Russia (36), and Mexico (35), showcasing the diverse global participation. Technologically, 2D animation dominated with 424 entries, alongside 151 3D productions, 132 hybrid/experimental proposals, and 92 stop-motion shorts. The official selection also featured works from top animation schools worldwide, reinforcing Animayo's vital role in bridging specialized education with industry opportunities. Notable special recognitions included "Pigeons" for art direction, "Gauze" for emotional impact, "Only Rats" for independent filmmaking and social awareness, and "Pobre Marciano" for narrative quality. The Audience Award went to Sandra Powers’ "Bestias de la Muerte," while the Youth & Children’s Audience Award honored "There Once Was a Tiger," celebrating a wide spectrum of animated excellence and thematic diversity.