Quirino Awards are back in Tenerife with a record 273 submissions and a new two-pillar structure (EXCLUSIVE)

The Ibero-American Animation Quirino Awards have announced a historic milestone in their ninth edition, receiving a record 273 entries the largest number in the event's history. Alongside this achievement, the organization revealed a restructured framework, separating the initiative into two main pillars: the Quirino Awards themselves and an expanded suite of industry activities, including the Co-Production and Business Forum, Quirino Lab, and Futures Lab.

This record demonstrates that Ibero-American animation is thriving creatively and professionally, even under challenging conditions, said Silvina Cornilln, director of the Quirino Awards.

The 2026 ceremony is scheduled for April 1517 in Santa Cruz de Tenerife, a month earlier than usual. The event returns to the city that hosted its first two editions, moving from its previous location in San Cristbal de La Laguna.

This years submissions represent 20 countries, surpassing the previous record of 18, with Andorra participating for the first time. Brazil stands out with a nearly 50% increase in entries compared to 2024, highlighting the countrys growing animation production and regional collaboration.

Eligible works span premieres from June 1, 2024, to December 31, 2025, across seven main categories: Feature Film, Series, Short Film, School Short Film, Commissioned Work, Video Game Animation, and Music Video, along with three technical awards for Visual Development, Animation Design, and Sound Design & Original Music. An international committee will select six longlisted titles per category in February, followed by a jury narrowing them to three nominees, with winners revealed at the May ceremony.

Quirinos evolution reflects its expansion from a simple awards initiative into a full ecosystem integrating awards, business, and professional training. The Quirino Awards now serve as both a platform recognizing excellence and a hub fostering the growth of the animation industry across Ibero-America, Cornilln noted.

Under the new structure, the awards act as a standalone pillar celebrating artistic achievement in 23 countries, while industry activities form a second pillar through three key programs: the Co-Production and Business Forum, which hosted 200 executives from 25 countries last year for over 1,400 meetings; the Quirino Lab, offering advanced training for executive producers on market trends, financial structures, IP, and emerging technologies; and Futures Lab, developed with the Ortega-Maran Foundation to explore strategic futures for Ibero-American animation.

The dual approach aims to clarify Quirinos mission of honoring creativity while strengthening the professional, industrial, and organizational foundations for sustainable sector growth.

The events return to Santa Cruz de Tenerife highlights the citys growing prominence in Spains animation landscape. Supported by the Tenerife Council and film institutions, the island has become a hub for studios like 3Doubles, B-Water, and Atlantis, benefiting from tax incentives and a strong presence at international markets.

Last years awards recognized David Bautes Black Butterflies as Best Film, Brazils Irmo do Jorel as Best Series, and Uruguays Los carpinchos as Best Short Film, alongside notable works from Argentina, Brazil, and Spain.

The ninth edition gathers support from sponsors and partners including Turismo de Islas Canarias, ICAA, ICEX, Proexca, Ibermedia, the City Council of San Cristbal de La Laguna, OEI, Welaw, RTVE, Filmin, Multicines Tenerife, Culturamana, and international festivals such as Annecy and Pixelatl.

Beyond awarding outstanding works, Quirino aims to structure the Ibero-American animation market, elevate professional standards, and foster long-term collaboration and international visibility.

Author: Logan Reeves