The 23rd annual global student competition saw close to 800 films judged, with 7 teams handed over $130,000 in prizes.
The , an international competition challenging students to create an animated short film in just 24 hours, has announced its 2025 winners after a record-breaking year of sponsorship, participation, diversity, and emotional impact.Each winning entry is shown below.
This year’s contest theme: “Flip Your Perspective!” was announced by special guest Pete Docter, Chief Creative Officer at Pixar Animation Studios.Almost 800 films were judged, with 7 teams walking away with prize packs valued at over $130,000, which included cash awards, studio swag, art books, software, festival passes, and drawing tablets.The competition — founded and led by Aubry Mintz, animator, educator, and contest creator — continues to highlight emerging talent from regions often underrepresented in the global animation industry.
“With winners from India, France, Israel, and Canada this year — and past winners from Thailand, Brazil, and Lebanon — we are showcasing incredible talent from every corner of the globe.” says Mintz, “These students are just as gifted as those from Ivy League schools in the U.S., and seeing their reactions when their films are recognized by industry judges is nothing short of magical.” Winning teams each receive $15,000–$25,000 in prizes from major studios and industry sponsors, offering life-changing opportunities to young artists who grew up inspired by those very companies.A unique feature of the contest is its Behind-the-Scenes (BTS) Award, encouraging teams to document their creative journey in a short two-minute film.This year, one BTS submission in particular captured the judges’ attention — a moving entry from Utah Valley University’s team “Milksong.” Their film reflected how the contest became a source of healing and connection after the assassination on their campus of political activist Charlie Kirk.
“While watching the BTS films, this story deeply moved me,” Mintz shared.“The team described how this contest brought them together in the wake of tragedy.It was a powerful reminder of how creativity unites and heals — even in the darkest times.” Mintz emphasized that many participants compete under extraordinary circumstances — from war zones to natural disasters — yet continue to create with courage and passion.
“We’ve seen teams from Israel, Lebanon, and Russia compete amid war and political upheaval, while others faced hurricanes, fires, and personal trauma,” Mintz said.“What inspires me most is how this contest becomes a lifeline — a way for students to feel heard, connected, and supported.It’s a global event, but it feels like a family.” Now in its 23rd year, the continues to celebrate creativity, community, and resilience — proving that art can unite people across continents, cultures, and challenges.
The public can watch the top winning films from the last 10 years along with a panel from past winners at Lightbox Expo on Friday Oct 24, 2pm, rm 209/210 or on the 24 HOURS 2025 YouTube Playlist.The 2025 contest’s films were judged by Toby Cochran (Netflix, Disney, Marvel), Tale Linh Do (Netflix, Paramount, DreamWorks), Nina Gantz - BAFTA and Annie winning (Edmond, Wander to Wonder), Howie Hoffman (Trix Rabbit, Bugs Bunny), Daria Khil (DreamWorks), Lucija Mrzljak- (Eeva, Toonekurg), Nigel Tierney (Lil Dicky, Bad Bunny, Willow, DreamWorks, Disney, YouTube) and Carol (Rick and Morty, Over the Garden Wall, The Simpsons).Sponsors for 2025 included: Toon Boom, Lucasfilm Animation, Walt Disney Animation Studios, Pixar, ILM, Warner Bros Animation, Wacom, XP-Pen, Sony Pictures Animation, Nickelodeon Animation Studios, DreamWorks, Skydance Animation, Netflix Animation Studios, Cartoon Saloon, Bento Box, ASIFA-Hollywood and more.
Donations can be made here: https://donorbox.org/24hourscontest
This years’ winning entries are as follows:
1st Place
Team: Afterimage, School: Indian Institute of Technology, India, Points: 296
2nd place
Team: P4SSW0RD1234, School: Sheridan College, Canada, Points: 295
3rd Place
Team: Cabillaud, School: EMCA, France, Points: 290
1st Runner Up
Team: Aroomkü, School: Bezalel Academy of Arts and Design, Israel, Points: 288
2nd Runner Up
Team: The Pack, School: Sheridan College, Canada, Points: 287
Best High School
Team: In Fifth Place…, School: Sisler High School, Canada, Points: 254
Behind the Scenes Prize
Team: Furnarius Rufus, School: Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina, Brasil
Dan Sarto is Publisher and Editor-in-Chief of Animation World Network.
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