Italian Animated Series 'Il Baracchino' Secures Historic Annie Award Nomination

The global animation landscape witnessed a historic milestone on January 5, 2026, as the Italian production 'Il Baracchino' secured a prestigious nomination for the 53rd Annie Awards. Widely regarded as the 'Oscars of animation,' the Annie Awards represent the pinnacle of international achievement in the field. This specific recognition marks a groundbreaking moment for the Mediterranean nation, as it is the first time an entirely Italian-produced animated series has achieved such a high level of global acclaim.

Competing in the 'Best TV/Media – Adult' category, the series earned its spot through the strength of the episode titled 'Claudia entra in un caffè.' This nomination places the show among the world's elite creators, validating the artistic vision and technical prowess of the Italian animation industry. The announcement has sparked significant excitement within the European creative community, highlighting the show's unique contribution to modern adult-oriented storytelling.

The production of 'Il Baracchino' is a collaborative effort between Lucky Red and Prime Video, with the intricate animation work handled by the Palermo-based studio Megadrago. Founded by the visionary duo Nicolò Cucci and Salvo Di Paola, Megadrago has successfully placed Sicilian craftsmanship on the international map. The six-episode series, which delves into the high-stakes world of stand-up comedy, made its debut on the Prime Video streaming platform on June 3, 2025.

Adding to the show's appeal is a stellar vocal cast featuring some of Italy's most recognizable talents, including Lillo Petrolo and Pilar Fogliati. Their performances bring a distinct cultural flavor to the mockumentary-style narrative, helping the series resonate with both local and international audiences. The show's focus on the nuances of the comedy circuit provides a fresh perspective rarely explored in the medium of animation.

What truly distinguishes 'Il Baracchino' from its contemporaries is its innovative hybrid visual aesthetic. The creators successfully blended traditional 2D techniques with CGI, stop-motion, and puppet theater elements to create a visually arresting experience. To achieve this complex look, the team utilized Blender, the same open-source software that powered the Academy Award-winning feature 'Flow.' This technical choice underscores the high-level production standards maintained by the Megadrago team.

In the 'Best TV/Media – Adult' category, the Italian newcomer faces stiff competition from established industry giants. The other nominees include legendary titles such as 'South Park' and 'Bob's Burgers,' as well as 'Common Side Effects' and 'Haha, You Clowns.' Despite the formidable opposition, the inclusion of 'Il Baracchino' serves as a powerful testament to the burgeoning influence and creative maturity of the Italian animation sector on the world stage.

The winners will be revealed during the 53rd Annie Awards ceremony, which is scheduled to take place on February 21, 2026. The event will be hosted at the iconic Royce Hall on the campus of the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). As the industry gathers in Los Angeles, all eyes will be on whether this Italian production can secure a win against its American counterparts.

The Annie Awards are organized by ASIFA-Hollywood, the largest chapter of the Association Internationale du Film d'Animation (ASIFA). For more than five decades, this organization has been dedicated to honoring excellence and innovation in animation. The 2026 ceremony promises to be a celebration of how diverse, international voices—like those behind 'Il Baracchino'—are reshaping the future of the medium.