Celebrating excellence across the European animation industry, ten companies from seven countries are competing across three primary categories: Broadcaster, Investor/Distributor, and Producer of the Year. Winners will be selected by attending industry professionals during Cartoon Forum in Toulouse (September 14–17, 2026).
This edition also marks the launch of the inaugural Ecoprod-Cartoon Tribute, an award organized in partnership with non-profit organization Ecoprod to recognize European animation companies leading sustainable transition and eco-friendly production practices.
Producer of the Year Nominees
- Bionaut (Czech Republic): Established in 1999, the studio operates its dedicated animation division Bionaut Animation. Previous Cartoon Forum projects include 9 Million Colors and Hungry Bear Tales. This year, the company returns as co-producer for the Norwegian project Scope of the Universe.
- Bobby Prod (France): Founded in 2008 and specializing in short-form adult animation, the studio developed The Broos (co-produced with ARTE France), which transitioned from social platforms through the Cartoon Forum Coaching Programme into an official project selection.
- Mago Production (Spain): Barcelona-based studio with an extensive track record in 2D/3D series, including Polinopolis and Limbo Ville. Returns to Cartoon Forum 2026 with Lily & Kyle and as co-producer of Belzebubs.
- Melusine Studio (Luxembourg): Part of the Superprod Group since 2024, the studio has produced titles such as My Life in Versailles and The MiniWhats, returning this year as co-producer for Mebh and the Wolf Pups and The Otherness.
Investor/Distributor of the Year Nominees
- Folivari International (France): Independent global sales agency established in 2024 with a distribution slate featuring Cartoon Forum titles such as Samuel, Pil’s Adventures, and Ted & Paula’s Tadpole Journey.
- Mediawan Kids & Family (France): The international distribution arm of Mediawan Group, managing over 2,500 half-hours of content across 200+ territories. Global properties include Miraculous: Tales of Ladybug & Cat Noir, The Little Prince & Friends, and Witch Detectives.
- Studio 100 International (Germany): The international distribution and licensing division of Studio 100 Group. Manages brand licensing and content rights for classic IPs including Maya the Bee and Mia and Me, alongside new catalog acquisitions like Louca, Mortina, and Chill Out, Zeus!.
Broadcaster of the Year Nominees
- BBC (United Kingdom): Public-service broadcaster operating CBeebies and CBBC. Key co-productions and acquisitions sourced via Cartoon Forum include Duck & Frog, Maddie + Triggs, Piggy Builders, and Dungeons & Kittens.
- Sveriges Television – SVT (Sweden): Operating kids’ brand SVT Barn (ages 2–9), the public broadcaster actively co-produces European animation including Ormhildur the Brave, BeddyByes, and Team Nuggets.
- Südwestrundfunk – SWR (Germany): Part of the ARD network, producing and licensing animation content for public channel KiKA, including Sir Mouse, Living with Dad, and The Jungle Bunch.
Ecoprod-Cartoon Tribute Nominees
The three nominees selected directly by Ecoprod for environmental sustainability in animation production are:
- Gao Shan Pictures (France): Based in La Réunion, the studio has contributed to acclaimed productions such as The Smurfs and In Waves. At Cartoon Forum 2026, the studio presents its new 2D series The Roots of My Hair.
- Cartoon Saloon (Ireland): Multi-Oscar and Emmy-nominated studio behind Skunk Fu! and Silly Sundays, presenting its new IP Mebh and the Wolf Pups in Toulouse.
- La Cabane Productions (France): Producers of the Emmy-nominated Mush-Mush & the Mushables, currently developing Luce and the Rock and presenting Emma Makes Waves (co-produced with Thuristar).
