The British Animation Awards set to return in 2028
Skwigly
(Image: British Animation Awards)
The British Animation Awards, the UK’s leading celebration of animation – known as the ‘BAAs’ – is set to return to London in 2028, marking a new chapter for the industry awards after a hiatus.
First launched in 1996, the BAAs are being brought back under new leadership by respected animation industry leaders Tracy Shaw and Anna Lord, who will steer the organisation into its next era while retaining its founding commitment to championing the very best creative work and talent across the sector.
Shaw, whose career spans Warner Bros., Universal Pictures and DreamWorks Animation, and Lord, who has held senior roles at Nexus Studios, Locksmith Animation and Passion Pictures, bring decades of experience across the international animation landscape. Together, they will shape a renewed BAAs programme designed to recognise the breadth, creativity and innovation of a sector that is central to the UK’s creative economy and continues to evolve at pace.
L-R: Tracy Shaw and Anna Lord (Image: British Animation Awards)
The BAAs will continue to operate as a benchmark of quality and creative excellence, bringing together the companies, creative talent, and producers behind the UK’s most distinctive animation work, while providing a platform to showcase British animation and opening opportunities for other countries to compete in new categories.
Since its launch, the BAAs have recognised work across the full spectrum of the medium, from feature film and television to short films and emerging formats. Held biennially, previous nominees and winners include Lupus Films for Kensuke’s Kingdom, Gutsy Animations’ Moominvalley, Aardman’s Shaun the Sheep, 20th Century Studios/Locksmith Animation’s Ron’s Gone Wrong, and Hasbro Entertainment’s Peppa Pig.
The 2028 Awards will build on this legacy while reflecting the changing landscape of animation and the UK’s position as a major international creative hub. The ceremony will spotlight groundbreaking projects, exceptional talent and innovation across the industry, with a refreshed category structure to be announced in due course.
The return of the BAAs comes at a pivotal moment for the UK’s creative industries. While the sector continues to face economic and structural pressures, British animation is demonstrating significant momentum, with the UK strengthening its position as both a home for original creative ideas and an increasingly attractive production base for major international animated features and television series. Global studios are drawn to the country’s world-class creative talent, state-of-the-art facilities and thriving ecosystem of independent studios, producers and specialist talent, reinforcing the UK’s position as a leading force in the global animation landscape.
Anna Lord and Tracy Shaw said:
The British Animation Awards have played an important role in recognising and championing the extraordinary talent and creativity within our industry for almost three decades. We’re honoured to be bringing the BAAs back at a time when British animation is making such a strong impact both nationally and internationally. The UK has an exceptional animation ecosystem, from ambitious independent creators and studios to major international productions, we will ensure the Awards reflect and celebrate that breadth.
Helen Brunsdon, who led BAA for the past eight years, said:
It has been a great privilege to lead the BAA team and deliver the last three iterations of the awards. We were proud to expand the BAAs reach across the British regions, areas that contribute so significantly to our industry. I’m delighted to be handing over stewardship to Anna and Tracy, who share a passion and enthusiasm for the artform, the people and the industry. I’m now ready to dive into some new creative adventures.
As part of the relaunch, the BAAs will also unveil a new website and refreshed digital presence, while its existing archive of winners and award history will remain available, preserving a record of the work and talent recognised by the Awards over almost three decades.
The BAAs will also open up new sponsorship and partnership opportunities, offering brands and industry organisations a platform to connect with the animation community, showcase their own brand and build meaningful visibility around the UK’s most established animation awards.
Further details on the 2028 Awards, including categories and entries, will be announced in due course at britishanimationawards.com