https://variety.com/2026/film/news/val-kilmer-ai-film-as-deep-as-the-grave-1236691042/
Annecy 2026: Discover the 18 Members of the Annecy 2026 Official Juries
They will be tasked with judging the 2026 Annecy Festival Official Selection entries: the Festival announces its juries.
Hailing from across the globe and from wide variety of backgrounds, these jury members represent all the richness and diversity of animation culture and creative expression. Their multiplicity and rigorous scrutiny will ensure that the best in each category will be acknowledged.
OFFICIAL FEATURE FILMS
Faisal BALTYUOR
Producer and CEO of the Red Sea Film Foundation
Saudi Arabia
Mònica GARCIA MASSAGUÉ
General Manager of the Sitges International Fantastic Film Festival of Catalonia
Spain
Maïlys VALLADE
Director, Screenwriter, Storyboard Artist, Animator,
France
CONTRECHAMP FEATURE FILMS
Suresh ERIYAT
Artist, Author, Animator, Filmmaker
India
Lola LEFÈVRE
Director
France
Anna Ida OROSZ
Film Historian, Animation Curator
Hungary
OFFICIAL SHORT FILMS
Marina ROSSET
Director, Producer
Switzerland
David SILVERMAN
Animator, Director
USA
Cristobal TAPIA DE VEER
Composer
Chile, Canada
GRADUATION FILMS & OFF-LIMITS SHORT FILMS
Dominique BAZAY
Producer, Director of Original Animation, Netflix
Canada
Claude CLOUTIER
Illustrator, Comic Book Artist, Animation Filmmaker
Canada
Thomas JOLLY
Actor, Theatre Director, Chair of the CNC Video Games Committee
France
TV & COMMISSIONED FILMS
Fernando GALRITO
University Lecturer, Cinema Director, Artistic Director MONSTRA | Lisbon Animation Festival
Portugal
Mariam KANDELAKI
Director, Producer, Cultural Events Organiser
Georgia
Imogen SUTTON
Producer, Director
Unided Kingdom
IMMERSIVE WORKS
Abi FEIJÓ
Director, Producer, Educator
Portugal
Aubry MINTZ
Animator, Director
USA
Negar MOTEVALY
Director, Animator, Visual Artist
Iran
Coming 20207 to Netflix: Here’s Your First Taste of „Charlie vs. the Chocolate Factory“
Charlie vs. the Chocolate Factory is being whipped up for a 2027 release — and this time the animated feature will serve up a delicious twist on everything you thought you knew about the world of Wonka.
In this bold adventure set in modern-day London, Emmy-winner Kit Connor (Warfare, Rocketman, Heartstopper) voices Charlie Paley, a brand-new character stepping into the spotlight, while Oscar-winner Taika Waititi (Klara and the Sun, Jojo Rabbit, Thor: Love and Thunder) lends his voice to the legendary confectioner himself.
Connor says, “I’m so excited to enter the wonderful world of Wonka. I was immediately caught by the early concept art and the directors’ vision for the film — capturing the spirit and heart that made the original story so special, whilst imbuing it with something so fresh and unique. It’s such a fun representation of the London that I know. This new adventure is going to surprise audiences around the world. You’re in for a treat!”
Willy Wonka (Waititi) has spent the years since the Golden Ticket contest behind bars (not the chocolate kind) for the crime of turning a child into a blueberry. Having served his time, Wonka returns to his factory determined to add a little sweetness to a bitter world. But one thing stands in his way: teenager Charlie Paley (Connor) and his friends. Facing eviction, this next generation of “rotten” kids plot to break into the factory, nab a priceless Wonka Bar, and save their homes. But like many before them who enter the fantastical world of the factory, these kids are in for a bit more than they can chew…
Directed by Jared Stern (The LEGO Batman Movie, Green Eggs and Ham) and Elaine Bogan (Trollhunters: Tales of Arcadia, Spirit Untamed), the film promises an imaginative new take on the beloved universe, powered by the animation artistry of Sony Pictures Imageworks, the studio behind Oscar-winners Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse and KPop Demon Hunters.” Academy-Award winner Aron Warner (Shrek) and Timothy Yoo (Back to the Outback, Green Eggs and Ham) are producing, and Waititi is an executive producer.
“Our directors, Jared and Elaine, have a bold vision befitting this new adventure whilst remaining sympathetic to the legacy, and I’m thrilled to play my part in bringing Willy Wonka to life in animated form,” Waititi says. “He is so special to me, and the opportunity to voice such an iconic, eccentric candy genius — if a little mischievous at times — is hugely exciting.”
Expect original songs, new characters, and even a few familiar faces, all wrapped in the signature British charm of Roald Dahl’s iconic world. “Having been raised on the delightfully twisted world of Willy Wonka, it’s a privilege to bring his continued adventures to life as twisted adults,” Stern and Bogan say. “And how sweet to do it like never before via the magic of animation, creating a Charlie vs. The Chocolate Factory that’s more deliciously unhinged than your wildest imagination. If we do a rotten job, you can throw us down a rubbish chute!“
Charlie vs. the Chocolate Factory marks the latest expansion of the Charlie and the Chocolate Factory universe, following Netflix’s acquisition of the Roald Dahl Story Company in 2021. The reality competition The Golden Ticket will air later in 2026.
“With their singular comedic and visual flair, Jared and Elaine have concocted a delightful adventure that remains true to the spirit of Dahl’s beloved novel while imagining a brand new story that introduces this world to a new generation,” says Hannah Minghella, Head of Feature Animation and Family Film at Netflix Animation Studios. “We can’t wait for audiences around the world to experience the magic and mayhem for themselves when the film comes out next year.”
Charlie vs. the Chocolate Factory will stream in 2027, only on Netflix.
Cardiff Quick Draw 2026
Welcome to the Cardiff Quick Draw Screening! 110 teams signed up from 13 different countries and made 68 animated films in 48 hours to the theme ‚Work/Play‘!!
The Cardiff Quick Draw competition sees teams across the globe working to achieve the impossible goal of making an animated film within a single weekend.
This year, the teams were different, the prompt was different, but the films made over the weekend are no less incredible.
Pop along and see what is possible to make if you have a 48-hour deadline, a community of like-minded thrill-seekers, and a whole lot of determination.
https://www.cardiffquickdraw.com/
See all the films on the big screen at Cardiff Animation Weekender 2025 Friday 24th April, 8:30pm. Free tickets + more info here:
Crunchyroll: 2026 Anime Awards Nominee Announcement
The 2026 Crunchyroll Anime Awards are here! Find out which anime are nominated for all 32 categories and get ready to vote every day from April 2-15, 2026! Voting opens once the premiere begins.
Find out who the winners are when the 2026 Crunchyroll Anime Awards streams live from Tokyo on Saturday, May 23.
https://www.crunchyroll.com/de/animeawards/
Timestamps
Intro: 00:12
Best New Series: 01:55
Must Protect At All Costs Character: 02:26
Best Supporting Character: 03:07
Best Voice Artist Performance (Latin Spanish): 03:52
Best Voice Artist Performance (Italian): 04:33
Best Opening Sequence: 05:24
Best Ending Sequence: 06:12
Best Drama: 07:01
Best Comedy: 07:25
Best Voice Artist Performance (Hindi): 07:54
Best Voice Artist Performance (German): 08:33
Best Slice of Life: 09:24
Best Isekai Anime: 09:51
Best Action: 10:45
Best Romance: 11:18
Best Voice Artist Performance (French): 11:47
Best Voice Artist Performance (Castilian Spanish): 12:21
Best Score: 13:13
Best Anime Song: 14:04
Best Continuing Series: 14:58
Best Voice Artist Performance (Brazilian Portuguese): 15:30
Best Voice Artist Performance (Arabic): 16:07
Best Character Design: 17:05
Best Main Character: 17:45
Best Animation: 18:27
Best Background Art: 19:03
Best Voice Artist Performance (English): 19:37
Best Voice Artist Performance (Japanese): 20:14
Best Director: 21:04
Best Original Anime: 21:53
Film of the Year: 22:21
Anime of the Year: 23:05
ABOUT CRUNCHYROLL Crunchyroll is the place to watch all your favorite anime! Stream new anime, full episodes, movies, OVAs, music, openings, endings, trailers and all the best moments in anime, subbed and dubbed!
Swapped | Official Trailer | Netflix
A tiny woodland creature and a majestic bird suddenly swap bodies, forcing them to team up to survive the wildest adventure of their lives.
https://skydance.com/animation/
Swapped is a buddy comedy about a small woodland creature, voiced by Academy Award winner Michael B. Jordan, and a majestic bird (Juno Temple). When these two natural sworn enemies of The Valley suddenly swap bodies, they must team up, while walking in each other’s feathers and fur, to survive the wildest adventure of their lives.
Swapped also stars Tracy Morgan, Cedric the Entertainer and Justina Machado and debuts May 1, only on Netflix.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Swapped
https://www.netflix.com/de/title/81749852
SUPERGIRL | Official Trailer
“Supergirl,” DC Studios’ newest feature film to hit the big screen, will be in theaters worldwide this summer from Warner Bros. Pictures, starring Milly Alcock in the dual role of Supergirl/Kara Zor-El.
Craig Gillespie directs the film from a screenplay by Ana Nogueira. When an unexpected and ruthless adversary strikes too close to home, Kara Zor-El, aka Supergirl, reluctantly joins forces with an unlikely companion on an epic, interstellar journey of vengeance and justice. Alcock stars alongside Matthias Schoenaerts, Eve Ridley, David Krumholtz, Emily Beecham, and Jason Momoa. DC Studios heads Peter Safran and James Gunn are producing the film, which is based on characters from DC, Supergirl based on characters created by Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster.
The film is executive produced by Nigel Gostelow, Chantal Nong Vo and Lars P. Winther. Behind the camera, Gillespie is joined by director of photography Rob Hardy, production designer Neil Lamont, editor Tatiana S. Riegel, costume designers Anna B. Sheppard and Michael Mooney, Visual Effects Supervisor Geoffrey Baumann, music supervisor Susan Jacobs and composer Claudia Sarne.
DC Studios Presents a Troll Court Entertainment / The Safran Company Production, A Film by Craig Gillespie, “Supergirl,” which will be in theaters and IMAX ® across North America on June 26, 2026, and internationally beginning 24 June 2026, distributed by Warner Bros. Pictures.
German Trailer below
„Supergirl“, der neueste Film von DC Studios, feiert im Sommer 2026 seinen weltweiten Kinostart.
Milly Alcock übernimmt die Doppelrolle als Supergirl/Kara Zor-El. Craig Gillespie führt Regie nach einem Drehbuch von Ana Nogueira. Kara Zor-El – alias Supergirl – sieht sich mit einem unerwarteten und skrupellosen Gegner konfrontiert. Widerwillig tut sie sich mit einem ungewöhnlichen Verbündeten zusammen und begibt sich auf eine spektakuläre Reise durch das Universum, um Gerechtigkeit zu erlangen und Vergeltung zu üben. An der Seite von Alcock sind Matthias Schoenaerts, Eve Ridley, David Krumholtz, Emily Beecham und Jason Momoa zu sehen.
Peter Safran und James Gunn, die Leiter von DC Studios, haben den Film produziert. Er basiert auf Figuren aus dem DC-Universum: Supergirl basiert auf Figuren, die Jerry Siegel und Joe Shuster geschaffen haben. Die ausführende Produktion übernahmen Nigel Gostelow, Chantal Nong Vo und Lars P. Winther. Zu Gillespies Kreativteam gehörten Kameramann Rob Hardy, Produktionsdesigner Neil Lamont, Editorin Tatiana S. Riegel, Kostümdesignerin Anna B. Sheppard, Visual-Effects-Supervisor Geoffrey Baumann, Musik Supervisor Susan Jacobs und Komponist Claudia Same.
DC Studios präsentiert eine Produktion von Troll Court Entertainment und The Safran Company: „Supergirl“, von Craig Gillespie.
Den internationalen Vertrieb übernimmt Warner Bros. Pictures. In Deutschland wird der Film ab 25. Juni 2026 in Kinos und IMAX®-Theatern zu sehen sein.
Games: Blue Reflection Quartet – Announcement Trailer | PS5 Games
BLUE REFLECTION Quartet combines all four titles in the fan-favorite franchise into one magical package. The new collection includes the console games BLUE REFLECTION and BLUE REFLECTION: Second Light; the anime series BLUE REFLECTION RAY; and the mobile game BLUE REFLECTION SUN. BLUE REFLECTION Quartet will be available digitally July 30, 2026 on PlayStation®5.
The difference between the Europeans and the rest of the world: A whirling knife in the hands of a child.
Foto (c) Dreamworks Animation / Universal
Is this a sensitive cut or does this change the expectations of the potential audience by omitting the moment that defines the characters?
The international Trailer – uncut – with a whirling knife:
The european trailer – sensitively cut – without a whirling knife:
Haim Mazar – A Cosmic Dance – From „Versa“ by Malcon Pierce | Audio Only
Music video by Haim Mazar performing A Cosmic Dance (From „Versa“/Audio Only).© 2026 Walt Disney Records
Walt Disney Animation Studios continues a long tradition of experimentation and innovation in short-form storytelling with Malcon Pierce’s Versa, streaming Friday, March 27, on Disney+.
Pierce, a 16-year Disney Animation veteran, wrote and directed Versa — a powerful and profound story of loss, grief, and healing. In the short film, a young couple looking to start a family experiences a gamut of emotions as they embark on an ethereal and imaginative cosmic dance of life. The story comes from a personal place for Pierce and his wife, Keely Tateossian, and combines a multitude of artistic styles, bold imagery, and exciting effects.
https://thewaltdisneycompany.com/news/disney-animation-versa-short/
Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone | Official Teaser | HBO Max
A new era of Hogwarts begins. The HBO Original series Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone premieres this Christmas on HBO Max.
Eine neue Hogwarts‑Ära beginnt. Die HBO‑Originalserie Harry Potter und der Stein der Weisen erscheint dieses Weihnachten #HarryPotterHBO
Annecy reveals its 2026 poster!
The Annecy Festival 2026 is set to feature a rich variety of themes, techniques and cultures. The return of established artists and the discovery of emerging talent are sure to delight future festivalgoers.
Today the programme reveals the Annecy 2026 official poster, a part of the selected films and the two brand-new competition categories.
“While searching for an image that captures the spirit of the Annecy Festival, I combined my love of eccentric animals engaging in human-like behaviour with a gathering of native birds from the Haute-Savoie region – a spiral pilgrimage that reflects the diversity of people bound by a common love for cinema and animation film.”
Randall Finnerty
Randall Finnerty is a visual artist originally from Northern Ontario, Canada. He has lived in Montreal since 1992, where he worked for 24 years at the National Film Board of Canada as Technical Advisor on numerous award-winning animated short films. During that time, he maintained an active practice as an exhibiting artist.
Since his retirement from the NFB, he has concentrated solely on his own practice and is thrilled to be able to combine the two worlds that he loves – drawing and animation. He has exhibited his work in group and solo exhibitions across Canada and was included in a travelling group exhibition that toured various cities in Europe.
His work has appeared in a variety of art publications and is held in public and private collections including the Canada Council Art Bank
The 2026 Official Selection
Short Films selection – Official
There are as many techniques as there are themes: puppets in mourning, drawings seeking emancipation, childhoods marked by war or loss… Yet hope reigns supreme, manifesting through characters who yearn for love and a more just world. The Official selection places its spotlight on the latest gems from established filmmakers but also from emerging talents, providing an exclusive glimpse into the realm of animation, its techniques and its messages.
Short Films selection – Young Audiences
In a selection of predominantly animal-themed storylines, between microcosm and macrocosm, endearing characters embark on extraordinary journeys from the sea to outer space. The viewer follows the explorations and wanderings of these tiny beings with big ambitions, as they search for their place in this vast world.
Short Films selection – Off-Limits
The Off-Limits programme pushes the boundaries of visual and technical experimentation. Using movement, texture and rhythm, the works take the audience on a multi-sensory journey to the outer limits of the medium.
Short Films selection – Perspectives
Through its multiple points of view and diverse techniques, the Perspectives section invites us to question our own worldview. The films encapsulate the inherent contradictions of contemporary societies and the constant interplay between intimate and universal themes.
Annecy’s unmissable gems are now in competition!
The short films in these following two categories are now in the running for an official award!
Midnight Shorts – A selection of thrillers and horror films designed to shock and draw you into a dark deranged world.
> Take a look at the selection
WTF – A must-see selection of elusive films where comedy delightfully interweaves with other genres and effectively blurs their lines.
> Take a look at the selection
Graduation Films selection
Each year, our selection of graduation films puts a spotlight on exploration through the eyes of young people seeking multiple selves. We are witnessing the dawn of these filmmakers‘ cinematic journeys, whose inner realms reveal a remarkable sensitivity to global diversity.
TV Films selection
From Japan to the USA, via Italy and France, this programme of TV series epitomises the full potential of animation when it comes to captivating audiences, regardless of their age. Whether it’s well-known franchises, independent productions or emerging artists, the small screen appeals to everyone.
Commissioned Films selection
From music videos and commercials to TV series opening sequences and promotional films, the Commissioned Films section demonstrates once again that animation is an integral part of our daily lives. This programme transcends all boundaries, jumping from Snoop Dogg to Thom Yorke, via a hungry wolf… hungry for friendship.

Be sure to reserve your accommodation as early as possible!
New: discover the shuttle buses reserved for Annecy Festival badgeholders, which will take you to accommodation by the lake.
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Dreamworks Animation: FORGOTTEN ISLAND | Official Trailer + German Trailer | Coming to Cinemas September 2026
Forgotten Island – In Theaters September 25 Your best friendship is worth fighting for. DreamWorks Animation, the studio that brought you unforgettable bonds between a boy and a dragon in How to Train Your Dragon, an ogre and a donkey in Shrek, and a robot and a gosling in The Wild Robot, now welcomes a dazzling and emotional story about two lifelong best friends who must come together before they drift apart in Forgotten Island.
The new original film is written and directed by Academy Award® nominee Joel Crawford and Januel Mercado and is produced by Academy Award® nominee Mark Swift, the filmmaking team behind Puss in Boots: The Last Wish. Grammy and Academy Award® winning supernova H.E.R. and Liza Soberano (Lisa Frankenstein, Alone/Together) star as high school graduates Jo and Raissa, who have been best friends since grade school but are now about to embark on separate life paths.
While celebrating their last night together, Jo and Raissa stumble upon a mysterious portal that transports them to the fantastical island of Nakali, packed with magical and mythological creatures they grew up hearing stories about from their Filipino families. Some of these figures will become friends, some foes. Joined by well-meaning-but- hapless weredog Raww (Dave Franco) and a small-but-mighty pack of pals, Jo and Raissa must face The Dreaded Manananggal (Tony winning icon Lea Salonga), the most feared creature on the island. When they discover that the memories of their entire friendship are the price for returning home, Jo and Raissa will race to find a way to leave the island before they forget each other forever.
The film’s all-star voice cast also includes Emmy nominee Jenny Slate (Marcel the Shell with Shoes On, Dying for Sex), Manny Jacinto (The Good Place, Top Gun: Maverick), BAFTA nominee Dolly de Leon (Triangle of Sadness, Ghostlight), global comedy superstar Jo Koy (Haunted Mansion, Jo Koy: Live from Brooklyn) and Emmy winner Ronny Chieng (The Daily Show, M3GAN).
DreamWorks Animation’s Forgotten Island is distributed by Universal Pictures.
Deutscher Trailer:
Drehbuch & Regie: Joel Crawford and Januel Mercado Produktion: Mark Swift
Original-Stimmen: H.E.R., Liza Soberano, Dave Franco, Jenny Slate, Manny Jacinto, Dolly de Leon, Jo Koy, Ronny Chieng, Lea Salonga
Als die zwei besten Freundinnen Jo und Raissa auf der geheimnisvollen Insel Nakali stranden, begreifen sie, dass der Weg nach Hause ein ganzes Leben an Erinnerungen fordert – vielleicht auch an den Menschen, der ihnen am meisten bedeutet. Die Grammy- und Oscar® prämierte Ausnahmekünstlerin H.E.R. und Liza Soberano (Lisa Frankenstein, Allein mit dir) glänzen in den Hauptrollen als Jo und Raissa. Die beiden Highschool-Absolventinnen sind unzertrennliche Freundinnen seit Kindertagen. Doch nun stehen sie am Beginn völlig unterschiedlicher Lebenswege. In ihrer letzten gemeinsamen Nacht entdecken Jo und Raissa ein geheimnisvolles Portal, das sie auf die geheimnisvolle Insel Nakali verschlägt. An diesem fantastischen Ort leben magische und mythische Wesen, von denen sie schon als Kinder in den Geschichten ihrer philippinischen Familien gehört haben. Einige der Wesen begegnen ihnen als Verbündete, andere als gefährliche Gegner.
Gemeinsam mit dem gutmütigen, aber hoffnungslos tollpatschigen Werhund Raww (im Original Dave Franco) und einer kleinen, doch entschlossenen Gruppe neuer Gefährten müssen sich Jo und Raissa der gefürchteten Manananggal stellen, die im Original von der Tony-Award-prämierten Ikone Lea Salonga gesprochen wird. Als sie erkennen, dass als Preis für ihre Rückkehr die Erinnerungen an ihre gesamte Freundschaft gefordert werden, beginnt für Jo und Raissa ein verzweifelter Wettlauf: Sie müssen die Insel verlassen, bevor sie einander für immer vergessen.
DreamWorks Animation schenkte uns bereits unvergessliche Freundschaften zwischen einem Jungen und seinem Drachen in Drachenzähmen leicht gemacht, zwischen einem Oger und einem Esel in Shrek sowie einem Roboter und einem Gänseküken in Der wilde Roboter. Mit DREAMWORKS DIE VERGESSENE INSEL erzählt das Studio nun eine neue Geschichte über zwei Freundinnen, die alles riskieren, um sich nicht für immer zu verlieren.
Das berührende Abenteuer wurde von den Oscar®-nominierten Filmemachern Joel Crawford und Januel Mercado geschrieben und inszeniert. Produzent Mark Swift, ebenfalls Oscar®-nominiert, komplettiert das kreative Trio, das bereits den gefeierten Animations-Hit Der gestiefelte Kater: Der letzte Wunsch geschaffen hat.
Zum hochkarätigen Sprecherensemble von DREAMWORKS DIE VERGESSENE INSEL gehören außerdem die Emmy nominierte Jenny Slate (Marcel the Shell with Shoes On, Dying for Sex), Manny Jacinto (The Good Place, Top Gun: Maverick), die BAFTA nominierte Dolly de Leon (Triangle of Sadness, Ghostlight), Comedy Superstar Jo Koy (Haunted Mansion, Jo Koy: Live from Brooklyn) sowie der Emmy Preisträger Ronny Chieng (The Daily Show, M3GAN).
Update: PXO’s VFX operations will close after the completion of any outstanding projects or contracts
Update: Solid sources told me the following Information:
SPE shared its intent to wind down the Pixomondo ‘umbrella‘, and integrate some of its capabilities into other areas of Sony.
As part of this…
The R&D/Innovation component of the business would be absorbed by Sony Group’s R&D operation.
PXO’s VFX operations would close after the completion of any outstanding projects or contracts…SPE is streamlining VFX efforts internally to focus on its Imageworks capabilities.
Clara operations would begin to wind down as well, with potential for some business initiatives associated with Sony Group to be transferred over.
All outstanding contracts will be fulfilled.
Plans are very much still in development and subject to legal and regulatory process.
Update to the folowing Blogpost:
























