{"id":25953318,"date":"2026-02-10T06:00:00","date_gmt":"2026-02-10T14:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/community.wacom.com\/en-us\/?p=25953318"},"modified":"2026-02-16T11:23:52","modified_gmt":"2026-02-16T19:23:52","slug":"wacom-receives-ub-iwerks-annie-awards","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/community.wacom.com\/en-us\/wacom-receives-ub-iwerks-annie-awards\/","title":{"rendered":"Wacom Receives Ub Iwerks Award for Lasting Impact on Animation at the 53rd Annie Awards"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Wacom has been honored with the Ub Iwerks Award <\/a>at the 53rd Annie Awards<\/a>, recognizing its longstanding contribution to the animation industry through digital pen and ink technologies and its enduring role within the global animation community.\u202f<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For decades, Wacom devices have been a constant presence behind the scenes across a variety of industries. From early sketches and storyboards to final animation and compositing, Wacom\u2019s digital pen and tablet technology have helped artists bring the expressiveness of hand-drawn work into modern digital workflows. Along the way, those tools have become a standard part of animation production environments around the world.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Wacom works closely with creators, studios, educators, and partners everywhere, learning from them and evolving together as the art of animation itself has evolved. It is that level of continued commitment and collaboration within the creative community that has put us where we are today.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Presented by ASIFA-Hollywood<\/a>, the Ub Iwerks Award celebrates technical advancements that have had a significant and lasting impact on the art and industry of animation. The award recognizes innovations that have helped shape animation production practices and expand creative possibilities over time.\u202fNamed after animation pioneer Ub Iwerks\u2014whose groundbreaking work helped shape some of the mediums earliest iconic characters\u2014the award honors those who continue to push the medium forward.\u202f<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWhen Wacom was first suggested to the ASIFA-Hollywood Board of Directors, many of us were genuinely surprised, having assumed the company had already received this honor. It quickly became clear, however, that this was exactly the right moment to recognize their contributions,\u201d said Aubry Mintz, Executive Director of ASIFA-Hollywood.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWacom has become an industry standard in professional digital pen and tablet technology, to the point where it is nearly impossible to find a studio or production that does not rely on their tools in some capacity.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Beyond its technology, Wacom has also been recognized for its long-standing support of the creative community through educational initiatives and ongoing industry collaboration. This recognition belongs to the entire creative ecosystem that has trusted, supported, and continuously challenged us over the years.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Wacom_AnnieAwards_Feb2026_Blog_Feature<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Special Giveaway: The Wacom Animator Pro Kit!<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

In honor of this moment, we at Wacom want to do something that we rarely do \u2013 we\u2019ve brought together some of our favorite partners and collaborators and will be giving away an “Animator Pro Kit!”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Animator Pro Kit<\/strong> includes the essentials to get you started on your animation and digital art journey. One winner will be chosen (available to US residents only) and will take home:<\/p>\n\n\n\n