Annecy 2026 lineup revealed as Ricky Gervais and Brad Bird headline festival

The Annecy International Animation Film Festival has unveiled its 2026 lineup, confirming a strong slate of global premieres, major studio showcases and high-profile industry guests.

Set to run from June 21 to 27 in Annecy, France, the festival will welcome notable figures including Ricky Gervais, Brad Bird and Mike Judge. Judge is set to receive the Honorary Cristal award, while Gervais will present a masterclass tied to his upcoming Netflix animated series Alley Cats. Bird will also take part in Netflix’s showcase, discussing his long-awaited project Ray Gunn.

The festival will open with Minions & Monsters, highlighting the continued presence of major animation franchises. Other high-profile previews include new footage from Walt Disney Animation Studios, Pixar and Warner Bros. Animation, alongside projects such as Rogue Trooper and upcoming animated series tied to established IP.

In the main competition, 11 films will compete for the top Cristal award, including titles such as The Sunrise File, Tangles and The Violinist. The Contrechamp section will spotlight independent and experimental works, reflecting the festival’s continued focus on diverse storytelling and global talent.

Beyond screenings, Annecy 2026 will feature industry panels, work-in-progress showcases and the International Animation Film Market, which is expected to host hundreds of companies and professionals. Discussions will also explore trends such as AI in animation and cross-media storytelling.

Widely regarded as the world’s leading animation event, Annecy continues to attract record attendance, reinforcing its status as a key platform for both emerging creators and major studios shaping the future of animation.