The Gotham Film & Media Institute announced today that LAIKA, the acclaimed animation studio, will receive the Gotham Anniversary Tribute at the 36th Annual Gotham Film Awards Ceremony on Monday, November 30th, 2026, at Cipriani Wall Street in New York City. With this tribute, The Gotham will honor LAIKA’s 20 years of groundbreaking storytelling and the release of “Wildwood,” LAIKA’s latest stop-motion animated film arriving in theaters on October 23rd, 2026.
“After 20 years of pushing the boundaries of modern cinema and animation, this moment feels like both a celebration and an evolution for LAIKA,” said Jeffrey Sharp, Executive Director of The Gotham Film & Media Institute. “With Wildwood, LAIKA’s most ambitious film to date, and the launch of LAIKA Live Action opening up new creative territory, the studio continues to expand the possibilities of what handcrafted storytelling can be. We can think of no more fitting honoree for this year’s Anniversary Tribute, and we’re thrilled to welcome the LAIKA team to celebrate with us.”
“We’re deeply honored that The Gotham is recognizing LAIKA at a moment when we’re celebrating two decades of filmmaking and bringing Wildwood to audiences,” said David Burke, LAIKA’s Chief Marketing & Operations Officer. “Our partnership on the LAIKA x Gotham Animation Accelerator reflects something we care deeply about: creating meaningful opportunities for bold new voices to push animation forward. We’re grateful to The Gotham for this recognition and for a partnership grounded in a shared belief in original, ambitious storytelling.”
Founded in 2005, LAIKA has built a singular legacy in stop-motion animation with films including “Coraline,” “ParaNorman,” “The Boxtrolls,” “Kubo and the Two Strings,” and “Missing Link.” This fall, the studio arrives at a pivotal milestone with “Wildwood,” a handcrafted epic fantasy following a girl’s desperate quest to save her baby brother in a forbidden, enchanted forest. The film boasts a sprawling cast, including Carey Mulligan, Peyton Elizabeth Lee, Jacob Tremblay, Mahershala Ali, Angela Bassett, Awkwafina, Jake Johnson, Charlie Day, Amandla Stenberg, Jemaine Clement, Maya Erskine, Tantoo Cardinal, Tom Waits, and Richard E. Grant. LAIKA has partnered with Fathom Entertainment for the film’s U.S. theatrical release and FilmNation Entertainment for international sales.
Earlier this year, The Gotham and LAIKA announced the launch of the LAIKA x The Gotham Animation Accelerator, a new initiative designed to help early- to mid-career animation creators refine a production-ready pitch for an animated short film. The program – which provides mentorship, LAIKA studio access, and pathways to industry recognition – represents the first collaboration between two organizations deeply committed to championing original storytelling and elevating bold new voices in filmmaking. The inaugural cohort of fellows includes Ben Ellebracht, Emily Ann Hoffman, and Searit Kahsay Huluf.
This milestone builds on a banner year for the studio, which has seen renewed audience enthusiasm for its earlier work through theatrical re-releases, including the 15th anniversary return of Coraline, which earned $56 million worldwide, and a limited engagement of “ParaNorman” (Remastered).
Winners of the 36th Annual Gotham Film Awards will be honored at the awards ceremony at Cipriani Wall Street on Monday, November 30th, 2026. Nominees will be announced on October 27th, 2026.
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