Disney has always excelled in its animated projects, which is why so many of its entities are gaining so much praise today. This afternoon, The Hollywood Reporter released a full list of Annie Awards nominations for 2022, which included an episode of Star Wars Visions in a highly competitive category. The Annie Awards are said to be “animation’s highest honor” and celebrate the animated films and other media released each year.
in the category of Best Television/Media – General Audience. The first episode of the hit series of shorts, “The Duel,” scored the nomination. A different episode of the series has also been submitted for consideration to be nominated for an Academy Award in the coming season.
Congratulations to the cast and crew of #StarWarsVisions on their #AnnieAwards nomination of Best TV and Media-General Audience! pic.twitter.com/lzax7BB62w
— Star Wars (@starwars) December 21, 2021
Being the first episode of Visions viewed by most, “The Duel” had the especially daunting task of establishing what an alternate Star Wars universe story could look like on the small screen. It told the brief but powerful story of a quiet man who stumbles into conflict he has no business being a part of, steps up to protect a town full of strangers, and walks away from it all having defeated the threat but wanting no reward for his good deed.
“The Duel” was also expertly adapted and expanded into a Star Wars canon novel, Ronin by Emma Mieko Candon, which was released in October 2021. The book continues the story of The Ronin after he defeats the red-sabered Sith in the village and those he meets along the rest of his treacherous journey. Like the TV episode it was based on, it relies heavily on Japanese storytelling and themes to make it a unique and bright addition to the Star Wars universe.
Other nominees in the Best TV/Media – General Audience category include episodes of Arcane; Bob’s Burgers,; Love, Death & Robots; and Tuca & Bertie. Other award categories include Best Student Film, Best Character Animation, Best Direction, and more.
The Annie Awards are scheduled for February 26, 2022.