All Five Animated Feature Oscar Nominees Set For Online Panel

Animation fans and industry professionals will have a rare opportunity to hear directly from the creative minds behind this year’s Oscar-nominated animated features. A free, live online panel discussion featuring the directors of all five nominees is scheduled for February 27.

A Gathering of Visionaries

The one-hour panel will include Ugo Bienvenu (Arco), Madeline Sharafian and Domee Shi (Elio), Maggie Kang and Chris Appelhans (KPop Demon Hunters), Maïlys Vallade and Liane-Cho Han (Little Amélie or the Character of Rain), and Byron Howard (Zootopia 2). The discussion will be moderated by Ramin Zahed, editor-in-chief of Animation Magazine.

Did You Know? The event is scheduled to take place at 9:00 a.m. PST / 6:00 p.m. CET, making it accessible to a global audience.

International Collaboration and Innovation

The event is hosted by Italy’s View Conference, which has become a significant international hub for animation, VFX, games, and emerging technologies. View Conference is known for its English-language programming and its focus on bringing together established and emerging talent.

Expert Insight: This panel highlights a growing trend in the animation industry: the increasing importance of international perspectives and talent. The success of these nominees suggests that compelling storytelling is no longer limited by geographical boundaries or traditional Hollywood pipelines.

Dr. Maria Elena Gutierrez, director of View Conference, noted that this year’s nominees “represent an extraordinary range of voices, techniques, and storytelling traditions.” The panel is also a preview of View Conference 2026, which will be held October 12–16 in Turin, Italy.

Looking Ahead

Following the panel, attendees may be inspired to explore the work of these filmmakers further. The event could also spark increased interest in the View Conference itself, potentially leading to greater participation in the 2026 event in Turin. It is also possible that the discussion will generate further conversation about the evolving landscape of animation and the role of international collaboration.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who will be moderating the panel?

Ramin Zahed, editor-in-chief of Animation Magazine, will moderate the panel.

Is there a cost to attend the online panel?

No, registration is free and open to the public.

When and where will View Conference 2026 take place?

View Conference 2026 will take place October 12–16 in Turin, Italy.

What aspects of the nominated films do you find most compelling, and how do you see international influences shaping the future of animation?