Iyanu Earns Three NAACP Image Award Nominations, Including Outstanding Animated Series
Skwigly
The animated series Iyanu continues its remarkable momentum with three nominations at the NAACP Image Awards, one of the most prestigious celebrations of Black excellence in film, television, and culture.
The series is nominated for Outstanding Children’s Program, Outstanding Animated Series, and Outstanding Writing in a Television Movie, Documentary or Special for Iyanu, recognizing the work of series creator Roye Okupe and writer Brandon Easton. Iyanu Season One and the Spin-off feature film Iyanu: The Age of Wonders are currently streaming on HBO Max.
These nominations place Iyanu among the most celebrated animated productions of the year, highlighting its powerful storytelling, high production value, and bold reimagining of African-inspired mythology for a global young audience.
The recognition comes on the heels of additional critical acclaim, as The New York Times recently named Iyanu: The Age of Wonders among it’s “Must-Watch Children Film of 2025”, alongside major international titles.
This recognition further reinforces Roye Okupe’s growing profile as a screenwriter and storyteller, and comes as he expands his creative slate with his next animated feature film, Malika: Warrior Queen, currently in development. The film builds on the same ambition to bring epic, African-inspired stories to global audiences, further reinforcing Okupe’s position as a leading voice in contemporary animation and genre storytelling.
These nominations are a testament to the hard work and dedication of our entire team. They affirm that stories rooted in African culture and mythology can resonate deeply with audiences everywhere when they are told with care, ambition, and authenticity. Iyanu was created to give young people heroes they can see themselves in, while inviting the world to discover new mythologies and perspectives.
Roye Okupe
Winners in select categories will be announced during the 57th NAACP Image Awards live television broadcast on Saturday, February 28, from the Pasadena Civic Auditorium in California. Public voting is currently open for Outstanding Animated Series and Outstanding Children’s Program and runs through February 7.
With these nominations, Iyanu further establishes itself as a landmark animated series, bridging cultural heritage and contemporary storytelling while reaching audiences worldwide.