SCAD AnimationFest 2026 celebrates its 10th anniversary with a star-studded lineup, featuring Variety's 10 Animators to Watch and the premiere of 'Forgotten Island'.
The Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) has announced the lineup for its 2026 AnimationFest, set to take place in Atlanta from September 23 to September 25. The festival will showcase a series of premieres, sneak peeks, and vital industry discussions at the SCADshow theater.
A significant feature of this year’s festival is the 25th-anniversary celebration of The Proud Family. The event will honor executive producers Bruce W. Smith and Ralph Farquhar with the Animation Trailblazer Award. This recognition underscores the impact that The Proud Family has had on mainstream animation, both in its original run and its continuation in The Proud Family: Louder and Prouder.
In a bid to enhance its offerings, SCAD AnimationFest will launch an Animated Shorts Competition, marking it as a fresh initiative for aspiring animators. Additionally, the festival becomes the new home for Variety’s 10 Animators to Watch, a showcase that highlights emerging talents in the animation field. This franchise, which began in 2015, aims to spotlight creators who are significantly shaping the animation landscape.
The festival will feature a variety of programming, including exclusive sneak peeks of anticipated projects. Notable screenings include DreamWorks Animation’s Forgotten Island, which is set to premiere on closing night. The director and writer, Joel Crawford, a nominee for prestigious awards, will also receive the Variety Impact in Animation Award.
The SCAD AnimationFest also serves as a networking platform where executives and creatives from prominent organizations such as Adult Swim, DreamWorks Animation, and Pixar Animation Studios will convene. This year's event aims to create an interactive environment for both students and professionals, enhancing learning opportunities and fostering connections within the industry.
SCAD’s animation program is highly regarded, consistently recognized as one of the top U.S. programs in animation by Animation Career Review. The return of the festival not only highlights SCAD’s commitment to nurturing talent but also connects current students with alumni working across the globe in various capacities. This blend of educational focus and industry networking is designed to inspire future generations in the creative fields.
The festival opens on the first day with the Animated Shorts Competition, followed by an exclusive sneak peek at Warner Bros. Pictures Animation's The Cat in the Hat, scheduled for a November theatrical release. Other anticipated features include special screenings of popular series and films, alongside additional discussions featuring industry leaders.
This year's program promises to deliver an exciting experience for animation fans, facilitating discussions on storytelling, innovation in animation, and celebrating creators who are pushing the boundaries of the medium.
With the festival just around the corner, excitement builds around the announced lineup and initiatives. As SCAD AnimationFest 2026 unfolds, it will undoubtedly play a critical role in shaping narratives in the animation industry, providing a vibrant exchange of ideas and creativity.
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