Alumni were recognized at the annual animation awards ceremony for their work in writing, production design, and editorial, with additional nominations in feature music and TV/media writing.
A still from KPop Demon Hunters (2025). SVA alumnus Dave Bleich (BFA 1992 Illustration) won Best Production Design for his work on the film at the 2026 Annie Awards.
A still from KPop Demon Hunters (2025). SVA alumnus Dave Bleich (BFA 1992 Illustration) won Best Production Design for his work on the film at the 2026 Annie Awards.
After a strong showing in this year’s nominations, School of Visual Arts alumni followed through with major wins at the 2026 Annie Awards, which honor excellence in animation across film, television, and media. Long a reliable showcase for SVA talent in the industry, the Annies once again celebrated graduates who are working across disciplines—from writing and production design to editorial.
One of the night’s top alumni wins came in the Best Writing—TV/Media category, where Joe Bennett (BFA 2008 Fine Arts), co-creator of Common Side Effects (2025 – ), was recognized for his work on the Adult Swim series. The critically acclaimed show, which featured prominently among this year’s nominations, continued its awards momentum with Joie Lim (BFA 2021 Animation) winning in the Best Editorial—TV/Media category for her work as assistant editor on the series’ “Raid” episode.
A still from the Adult Swim series Common Side Effects (2025 – ). Series co-creator and SVA alumnus Joe Bennett (BFA 2008 Fine Arts) was recognized at this year’s Annies for his work on the series, as was fellow alumnus Joie Lim (BFA 2021 Animation).
A still from the Adult Swim series Common Side Effects (2025 – ). Series co-creator and SVA alumnus Joe Bennett (BFA 2008 Fine Arts) was recognized at this year’s Annies for his work on the series, as was fellow alumnus Joie Lim (BFA 2021 Animation).
In the feature categories, production design honors went to Dave Bleich (BFA 1992 Illustration), who won Best Production Design—Feature for his work shaping the visual world of Netflix’s KPop Demon Hunters (2025).
Additional alumni received nominations across major categories, including Michael Giacchino (BFA 1990 Film and Video), nominated for Best Music—Feature for his compositions for Disney’s Zootopia 2 (2025). In Best Writing—TV/Media, BFA Animation alumni Ian Jones-Quartey (2006) and Rebecca Sugar (2009) earned nominations for their contributions to the TV special Adult Swim’s The Elephant (2025).
Congratulations to the SVA alumni recognized at this year’s Annie Awards!
A still from Zootopia 2 (2025). SVA alumnus Michael Giacchino (BFA 1990 Film and Video) was nominated for Best Music at this year’s Annies for his work on the animated picture.
A still from Zootopia 2 (2025). SVA alumnus Michael Giacchino (BFA 1990 Film and Video) was nominated for Best Music at this year’s Annies for his work on the animated picture.