Congratulations are in order for legendary Disney animator Floyd Norman, who will receive an Academy Honorary Award at the 2026 Governors Awards.

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has announced that its Board of Governors voted to present Academy Honorary Awards to actor Glenn Close, animator Floyd Norman, and director Ridley Scott, and the Irving G. Thalberg Memorial Award to producers Christine Vachon and Pamela Koffler.

An animator and storyboard artist, Norman began his esteemed 65-year career at Walt Disney Animation Studios in 1956 at the age of 21, becoming the studio’s first Black animator. His first Disney feature film was “Sleeping Beauty,” and he contributed to such classic feature films as “The Sword in the Stone,” “Mary Poppins,” “The Jungle Book,” and “Robin Hood,” as well as the short films “Donald in Mathmagic Land,” “Goliath II” and “Winnie the Pooh and the Honey Tree.” Norman’s other notable film credits include “The Hunchback of Notre Dame,” “Mulan,” “Toy Story 2,” and “Monsters, Inc.”

As a pioneer in animation, Norman has been honored with a lifetime achievement award at the 2002 Annie Awards, inducted into the Society of Illustrators Hall of Fame in 2021, and named a Disney Legend in 2007, among other honors. His work on numerous feature films cements his enduring legacy among Disney Legends.

Academy President Lynette Howell Taylor said in a statement about the honorees that “Floyd Norman is the legendary animator who has broken barriers and inspired generations of artists over his remarkable career.”

The Honorary Award is given “to honor extraordinary distinction in lifetime achievement, exceptional contributions to the state of motion picture arts and sciences in any discipline, or for outstanding service to the Academy.”

The 17th Governors Awards are presented in partnership with Rolex, the Exclusive Watch of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. Rolex is supporting the Governors Awards through its partnership with the Academy, reflecting its ongoing commitment to fostering excellence, achievement, and the transfer of cinematic knowledge to the next generation.

Daps Magic congratulates Floyd Norman on this special Academy Honorary Award for his many contributions to The Walt Disney Company and animation overall.

What do you think of this honor for Floyd Norman? Let us know in the comments.