In a significant step towards recognising excellence in India’s growing animation ecosystem, the Ramoji Animation Excellence Awards (RAEA) have been instituted to celebrate exceptional creativity, innovation and artistic achievement across the industry. Inspired by the visionary legacy of media baron Ramoji Rao, the awards seek to encourage emerging talent while acknowledging the contributions of independent creators shaping the future of Indian animation.
AnimationXpress is proud to host the prestigious Ramoji Animation Excellence Awards as part of the eighth Animation & More (AM) Summit and the ANN Awards 2026. Over the years, the ANN Awards have celebrated excellence across the animation, VFX, gaming, comics, and XR industries, recognising outstanding talent and innovation that continue to shape the creative landscape. This year marks a significant milestone as we introduce the Ramoji Animation Excellence Awards, inspired by the extraordinary legacy of the late Ramoji Rao, whose vision transformed storytelling and built one of the world’s most respected media and entertainment ecosystems.
Alongside the Arnab Chaudhuri Awards, which honour the pioneering spirit of one of India’s most influential animation leaders, the addition of the Ramoji Animation Excellence Awards strengthens our commitment to celebrating both industry legends and the next generation of creative talent. The awards ceremony will be held on 29 August 2026 at the Nesco Exhibition Centre, Mumbai, bringing together the country’s finest creators, studios, students, and industry leaders for an evening dedicated to excellence and innovation in animation.
The Ramoji Animation Excellence Awards will recognise artists, studios, filmmakers, technologists, educators and visionaries whose work pushes creative and technical boundaries. Beyond animation, the awards acknowledge contributions across visual effects (VFX), gaming, immersive media and digital storytelling, celebrating originality, craftsmanship, collaboration and innovation.
For the inaugural edition, the awards will be presented in two categories: Young Animator of the Year and Best Indie Studio of the Year. Each winner will receive a cash prize of Rs 1,00,000, an exclusive Ramoji Animation Excellence Awards trophy, a specially designed ETV Bal Bharat customised scarf, and a complimentary Ramoji Film City tour ticket valid for the winner and one accompanying guest.
As India’s AVGC-XR sector continues its upward trajectory, initiatives such as the Ramoji Animation Excellence Awards are expected to play an important role in encouraging fresh talent, supporting independent creators and reinforcing India’s position as an emerging global hub for animation and digital storytelling.
Click here to register for the ANN Awards.
