‘Avatar: Fire and Ash’ leads with ten nominations for the VES Awards, recognized as the craft’s marquee awards celebration, which will be held on February 25, 2026 at The Beverly Hilton in Los Angeles.

The Visual Effects Society (VES), the VFX industry’s professional global honorary society, announced the nominees for its 24th Annual VES Awards. Nominees were selected by VES members worldwide over the weekend via the Society’s Global Nomination Event, which hosted 46 in-person and 14 virtual judging panels. The 60 peer-led judging panels in seven worldwide regions – Asia, Europe, India, Oceania, and three in North America – show the Society’s global reach and engagement.

From 20th Century Studios and Lightstorm Entertainment, Avatar: Fire and Ash is this year’s most-nominated project with ten nominations, including in the key category of Outstanding Visual Effects in a Photoreal Feature. Among animated contenders, there is a three-way tie for top nominations – with Netflix and Sony Pictures Animation’s KPop Demon Hunters, Disney and Pixar’s Elio, and Disney’s Zootopia 2 each receiving five nominations. Netflix’s Stranger Things, HBO’s The Last of Us, and Apple TV+ and BBC Studios’ Prehistoric Planet: Ice Age are tied atop the episodic field, with four nominations each.

“Visual effects artists and producers are at the forefront of cinematic artistry and technological innovation, whether their work is being seen on the big screen in a movie theater, on the device in your pocket, or in a special venue setting,” said VES Board Chair, Kim Davidson. “We’re thrilled to celebrate all of this year’s nominees, and we’re grateful to our member volunteers from around the world who make our rigorous peer review process possible.”

“The next generation of creators is advancing visual storytelling through bold ideas, emotional depth, and technical craft,” said Diana Colella, Executive Vice President of Media & Entertainment at Autodesk, sponsor of the VES Student Award. “This year’s student film submissions showcase the creative vision and incredible skill of up-and-coming filmmakers and visual effects artists. Congratulations to all of the student nominees.”

As previously announced, comedy duo Randy and Jason Sklar (the Sklar Brothers) will return to host the 24th Annual VES Awards for the second consecutive year. This year’s special honorees will include acclaimed film producer Jerry Bruckheimer receiving the VES Lifetime Achievement Award, and Wētā Workshop co-founder and Chief Creative Officer Sir Richard Taylor receiving the VES Visionary Award.

Follow the link to see the full list of nominees for the 24th Annual VES Awards.

Visual Effects Society Reveals Nominees for 24th Annual VES Awards