The 24 HOURS Animation Contest for Students returns on Friday, October 3, 2025 (3:00 PM PT) through Saturday, October 4, 2025 (4:00 PM PT). This free international event challenges student teams of five to create a 30-second animated film in just 24 hours—from concept to final product.

The twist? No one knows the theme until the contest begins! No prep work. Just pure, adrenaline-fueled creativity under pressure.

Now in its 23rd year, the contest is hosted by animation professor Aubry Mintz at California State University, Long Beach. It has grown into the largest student animation competition in the world, with more than 15,000 students from 240 schools across 35 countries participating over the years. Last year’s prize pool topped $120,000, and this year, seven teams will win prize packs filled with cash awards, studio swag, art books, software, festival passes, and drawing tablets.

The 2025 contest will reach amazing new heights with a special guest appearance by Pete Docter, Chief Creative Officer at Pixar Animation Studios, who will deliver an inspirational message and reveal this year’s theme during the live kickoff at 3:00 PM PT on Friday, October 3. Teams and spectators can tune in at (https://www.youtube.com/@toonboomanimation/live)

“This event is more than a contest—it’s a transformative experience that takes students beyond the classroom, showing them the power of teamwork, while chasing a shared creative vision,” says Mintz. “What began as a challenge has become a global celebration that rises above borders and politics, connecting students everywhere through their shared love of animation. Having Pete Docter join us this year sends a powerful message: the animation community believes in the next generation—and that belief will inspire students to push their imagination further than they ever thought possible.”

Over the years, the contest has seen participation from countries including **Australia, Brazil, Canada, Chile, China, Czech Republic, Estonia, France, Germany, Hong Kong, India, Iran, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Jamaica, Lebanon, Mexico, Pakistan, Philippines, Puerto Rico, Russia, Scotland, South Africa, Spain, Taiwan, Thailand, Türkiye, the UK, and the USA.

Esteemed Judging Panel

Entries will be reviewed by a distinguished jury of animation professionals, including: 

Toby Cochran – Story Artist, Writer, and Director (Netflix, Disney, Marvel), Tale Linh Do – Storyboard Artist (Netflix, Paramount, DreamWorks), Nina Gantz – BAFTA and Annie winning and Oscar nominated Dutch Animation Director (Edmond, Wander to Wonder), Howie Hoffman – Animation Commercial Director (Trix Rabbit, Bugs Bunny), Daria Khil – Story Artist (DreamWorks), Lucija Mrzljak– Animation Director (Eeva, Toonekurg), Nigel Tierney – Director/Producer (Lil Dicky, Bad Bunny, Willow, DreamWorks, Disney, YouTube)

and Carol Wyatt – Art director, Designer, and Color Supervisor (Rick and Morty, Over the Garden Wall, The Simpsons).

Winning films will be announced during a Livestream event on Friday, October 17, 2025 (https://www.youtube.com/@toonboomanimation/live)

Supporting Students Worldwide

“Our sponsors have gone above and beyond—not only fueling this contest with incredible prizes (including cash), but also breaking down barriers so underserved students can access the tools they need to compete,” says Mintz. “In just 24 hours, these gifted young artists create fully realized films across every medium imaginable—CG, 2D, stop-motion, motion graphics, experimental—and some even compose their own original scores. The level of creativity and dedication they pour into such an intense challenge is nothing short of awe-inspiring.”

Sponsors for 2025 include: 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 

Key Dates

• Registration Deadline: Friday, September 26, 2025, at 11:59 PM PT → Register Here
• Contest Kickoff: Friday, October 3, 2025, 3:00 PM PT (Theme announced by Pete Docter  at this link )
• Winners Announced: Friday, October 17, 2025

How to Support

For 23 years, the 24 HOURS Contest has remained 100% free to students. To sustain and grow the event, donations are encouraged:

• Suggested: $25 per team (just $5 per student) – support as many teams as you can!
• Donations support free entry, equipment for underserved students, prize funding, and staff support
• Contributions are tax-deductible (fiscally sponsored by Legends Animated, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit)

*Every donation of $5 or more enters donors into a giveaway for a Wacom Intuos Pro 

Please consider a donation at this link: https://donorbox.org/24hourscontest

Watch the Films

• Past films → YouTube Playlist
• Behind-the-scenes reels → YouTube Highlights

Media Contact:
Email: [email protected]
Website: https://24hourscontest.com