Young Animator of The Year 2026 Launches
The Young Animator of the Year (YAY) competition returns for 2026, searching for young animation talent across the UK. The nationwide programme invites animators aged between 11 and 22 to showcase their skills in 2D animation, 3D animation and stop-motion. Winning films will premiere this November in a special ceremony at the Manchester Animation Festival, the UK's largest animation event.
Run by Blue Zoo Animation Studio and ACCESS VFX, in partnership with The Manchester Animation Festival and with support from HUE, YAY has become the country's leading competition of its kind. Central to its mission is building a diverse, industry-ready talent pipeline by connecting young animators directly with leading studios, professionals and industry bodies. Designed to be accessible and inclusive, YAY actively removes barriers to entry and welcomes young people from all backgrounds and levels of experience, empowering them to create original work and take their first steps towards creative careers.
New for 2026, YAY is introducing a new Best Group Project category, welcoming young animators who have already begun to collaborate and work as a team.
At a time when Generative AI is already beginning to reshape the creative landscape, YAY is doubling down on its commitment to human storytellers. By providing a platform for emerging artists to showcase their talent, gain visibility and receive meaningful industry feedback, the initiative reinforces a clear message: creativity, craft and original ideas remain at the heart of the UK’s animation industry.
Tom Box, Co-founder and Managing Director of Blue Zoo Animation Studios and one of the competition’s founders, says: “There’s no doubt that generative AI is changing the creative industries, and for some young people this could feel like yet another barrier to breaking in. But we should not let that discourage the next generation of artists. Animation and VFX will always need brilliant storytellers, character designers and world-builders, the people who bring imagination, emotion and originality to the screen. If you are passionate about animation, follow that passion, although the industry will continue to evolve there will always be space for talented young creators with something unique to share.”
YAY has already helped propel young artists into careers at leading animation and VFX Studios including Industrial Light and Magic, The Mill, Blue Zoo Animation Studios, MPC and DNEG. Early access to industry professionals, meaningful feedback and recognition has given past winners a serious head-start in their careers.
Young animators can submit their films via the YAY website. Entrants must be UK-based and aged 11-22. Films can be created individually or as a team, with all members 22 or under. Entries can be 2D, 3D or stop-motion, and will be judged by a panel of industry experts. Entries close on September 1st and judging will take place during October.
This year's winners will also be invited on a tour of Aardman Animation Studio in Bristol and Blue Zoo Animation Studios in London.Winners will get a rare chance to see a working studio first hand, and will get to see film and television animation being produced, and get access to industry professionals.
Winners will be unveiled during a prestigious ceremony on Sunday, November 8, as part of the Manchester Animation Festival. Winners and their families will then be invited to an exclusive reception offering a rare opportunity to connect directly with a distinguished panel of judges from leading studios and production companies.
