The Irish Animation Awards, a biennial event, took place on Saturday in The Galway Bay Hotel. Hosted by Brendan Courtney, the glittering event celebrated more than 2,500 animation professionals who create animation across the island of Ireland.
Galway’s Moetion Films took home two Irish Animation Awards for The Magic Reindeer: Saving Santa’s Sleigh, including Best Feature Film/Special. Released in over 400 cinemas across the UK and Ireland last Christmas, the film was also a huge hit across Europe. This is the latest feature film in the Niko franchise about a flying reindeer, with music by world-renowned composer and Galway native Eímear Noone, and script co-written by Galway-based Marteinn Thorisson. These awards also confirm its success with the Irish animation industry.
Ronan McCabe, CEO of Animation Ireland, said: “It has been a challenging time for the industry since we last got together in 2023 and whilst we remain conscious of the difficulties facing our members, it is important that we celebrate and showcase the work and creativity of our professional Animation, VFX and Gaming communities.
“We only get to do this every two years, so it is with gratitude that we come together, with our friends and colleagues from this island and beyond, to share and celebrate the best our industry has to offer. Well done to all the nominees and congratulations to the winners.”
Desiree Finnegan, chief executive of Fís Éireann/Screen Ireland, the primary sponsor of the awards, added: “Screen Ireland is proud to support the 2025 Irish Animation Awards - an important opportunity to highlight the outstanding Irish animation sector and the range of creative vision and talent it represents.
“Congratulations and best wishes go to all the nominees this year, whose stunning work continues to connect with audiences worldwide.”
Producer Moe Honan said, “We are beyond thrilled to win the Best Feature award and Best Sound Design award at IAA 2025. A huge thank you and congratulations to all who contributed to The Magic Reindeer: Saving Santa’s Sleigh’s success. This film is the third in a trilogy of Niko films which we have worked on for many years, and which have travelled to audiences in over 140 countries. A big thank you also to Fís Éireann/Screen Ireland and RTÉ for supporting us. It is a true privilege to be honoured by our peers internationally and at home in this way.”
