LIVE POLL: Annie Awards 2026 – Best Independent Animated Feature Film

@Tsarstepan​ I have only seen Lost in Starlight (2025), so far. I am waiting for other three to be US released in 2026 (outside of a couple of North American film festivals or a one week 2025 Oscars-qualifying run in a NYC/LA theater). Likewise, I hadn't seen or even heard of I am Frankelda (2025) before its nomination. I suspect it wasn't even eligible for this year's 2026 Animated Feature Oscar, since the only US showing I am aware of, seems to be at the Portland Latin American Film Festival on November 2, 2025, and it may not have had a one week 2025 Oscars-qualifying run in a NYC/LA theater. Plus, it may not  even be subtitled yet in English, since it was only released in 3 Spanish speaking countries in Q4 2025, so far (although it already has an English alternate title and an English movie poster).

I did instead expect to see 100 Meters (2025), Boys Go to Jupiter (2024), Your Letter (2025), or Little Amélie or the Character of Rain (2025) in that fifth spot instead. But, I have no problem with I am Frankelda being the nominee, as it seems to be an elite quality tier too and as a stop-motion film offers some diversity to the nominee group. 

I am probably more confused by the limited distribution mandate of the category, that seems be technically adhered to and accurate in 2025. But, since four of the five seem set on a 2026 US release, and the fifth was widely streamed on Netflix, and it seems like all five only had token theatrical releases in 2025, I am not sure it is in spirit of the award. As both, 100 Meters (2025) and Boys Go to Jupiter (2024) seem to be more legimate US limited releases during the past year that would seem to be also on the shortlist for this category.

@Pencho15​ It was obviously a smart decision, as it probably only cost them the time to fill out the application and the accompanying application fee for the film's submission. It easily will pay dividends in their ability to market the film, expand its distribution and theater count, and bottom line: in additional ticket sales. It shouldn't be a total shock it got a nomination, with a critics rating trending toward 80% on rotten tomatoes and user rating on IMDb of 7.3.  But, I get that worthy films don't always get recognized, so it was ideal they went into the process with little to no expectations.

@rubyfruit76​ Thanks, both are corrected. As you said, I inverted it with the other Annie poll suggestion.

@dan_dassow​ Thanks.