The short films were recognized in the Professional Films and Portuguese Co-production categories, receiving three awards and one honourable mention.
The winners of the Portuguese Animation Awards (Prémio Nacional da Animação) 2026, an initiative of Casa da Animação, were announced on 24 October, as part of the World Animation Festival (Festa Mundial da Animação). In the Professional Films and Portuguese Co-productions categories, the jury was made up of Ana Moniz, Lídia Queirós and Tiago Santos. The award-winning films were screened on 25 October, in Porto.
“Terminal”, by Alexandre Siqueira, won Best Professional Film. The jury highlighted the universality of a mother’s love and the visual richness of the world the film builds. Produced by BAP – Animation Studios, in co-production with Studio Kimchi (Spain) and XBO Films (France), “Terminal” had its world premiere at TIFF – Toronto International Film Festival, where it received an Honourable Mention, and won the Golden Dove at DOK Leipzig.
“Vagabond”, by Susa Monteiro, produced by Praça Filmes, received an Honourable Mention in the same category. The film had its international premiere at Riga IFF and its MENA premiere at El Gouna Film Festival. The jury highlighted the visual strength of the images and a character who, free of stereotypes and with no closed answers, leaves room for the viewer to complete the portrait.
“Virgin Fandango”, by Marcy Page, received the Audience Award and Best Film for Portuguese Co-productions. The jury highlighted the innovative technique, the visual composition and the harmony between dance and music. Co-produced by Blue Dada Productions (Canada) and Ciclope Filmes (Portugal), the film was made with 12,000 hand-painted Portuguese tiles and took part in the official short film competition at the Annecy Festival.
