YAY UK offers a platform for young animators to showcase their talent and gain exposure to leading professionals in the UK animation industry. The competition welcomes short animated films in 2D, 3D, or stop-motion, providing a unique opportunity for aspiring artists to receive feedback and recognition.

YAY UK has announced its partnerships for this year with Manchester Animation Festival, the UK’s biggest animation event, and HUE, the innovative supplier of animation products and creative, educational resources, as sponsors and supporters. Their generous contribution will enhance the experience for all participants and provide even greater opportunities for the winners across all age categories. Winning films will be announced and premiered at Manchester Animation Festival in early November.

At HUE, we’re passionate about sparking creativity in young minds through HUE Animation Studio and HUE Clay. That’s why we’re so excited to support the YAY Awards, a fantastic celebration of the rising stars of animation and the power of imaginative storytelling.

Ruth Barrett, Head of Animation at HUE

YAY UK is an initiative of ACCESS:VFX, an organisation dedicated to building a more inclusive and representative UK animation industry by nurturing talent at the grassroots level.

The competition will open for entries on May 12th, 2025, and the submission deadline is September 1st, 2025. Over thirty animation industry experts will judge the films, of which the nominated films will be announced on 1st October. The winners in all three categories (11-14, 15-18, and 19-22) being announced and their films premiered at the Manchester Animation Festival in early October.

We are incredibly excited to announce that due to popular demand, the competition has expanded to include a new 19-22 age category. This significant development allows us to support young adults who are pursuing animation studies or are in the early stages of their careers. We believe this will provide a crucial stepping stone for this demographic, alongside continuing to champion the fantastic talent within the younger age groups.

Tom Box, Co-Creator of YAY and Co-Founder of Blue Zoo Animation Studio

At a special awards ceremony during Manchester Animation Festival, winners in each age category will be presented with prestigious trophies, have the opportunity to meet expert judges, and receive invitations to private tours of Aardman Animations, Blue Zoo and Wild Child animation studios.

Visit the YAY UK website (https://younganimator.uk/) for full details on how to enter.