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ApplyThe Rookies 2026 Rankings: MoPA Among the World's Best Animation Schools
The Rookies 2026 rankings confirm MoPA's position among internationally recognized animation schools. The school stands out in three global categories, and two student projects were also selected as finalists in the Rookie Awards 2026.
Contents
- The Rookies: An International Ranking of Creative Schools
- Two MoPA Student Projects Named Finalists in the Rookie Awards 2026
- Studying Animation at MoPA
- MoPA in The Rookies 2026 Rankings: Three Global Distinctions
- FAQ: Understanding The Rookies Rankings and MoPA's Results
The Rookies: An International Ranking of Creative Schools
The Rookies is an international platform dedicated to emerging talent in the creative industries. Each year, it organizes the Rookie Awards, a competition that allows students and emerging artists to showcase their work to professionals in animation, visual effects, video games and other creative disciplines.
Unlike some school rankings based on reputation or available resources, The Rookies primarily evaluates the work submitted by students.
In 2026, the Rookie Awards received 6,819 entries from 516 educational institutions across 113 countries. In this highly competitive international environment, MoPA confirms its position among the leading schools in 3D animation and production excellence.
How Are Schools Evaluated?
Projects submitted to the Rookie Awards are reviewed by a jury of industry professionals. Several criteria are taken into account:
- Creativity and originality of the work.
- Technical proficiency in production tools and methods.
- Presentation quality of projects and portfolios.
- Project complexity and the range of skills demonstrated.
- Professional potential demonstrated by students.
Each submission receives an individual evaluation. School rankings are based in part on the median scores achieved by their students, supplemented by additional points awarded for certain distinctions earned in the competition.
This approach provides insight into the quality of projects submitted internationally. The rankings therefore serve as an indicator of the artistic and technical skills demonstrated by participating students, without claiming to measure every aspect of a school's educational quality.
Two MoPA Student Projects Named Finalists in the Rookie Awards 2026
Beyond the school rankings, the 2026 edition of the Rookie Awards also highlights the creative work of MoPA students. Two projects were selected as finalists: the graduation short film The Last Storm and the animation loop the Carousel.
the Last Storm: A Graduation Film Created by Six MoPA Graduates
the last Storm is a 3D animated short film created by six MoPA students who graduated in 2025: Amélie Baars, Noé Doulière, Edita Kokorin, Paul Mellet, Marguerite Ruggirello and Vasilis Savvides.
The film tells the story of Simone, a solitary lighthouse keeper entirely devoted to her work. An encounter with her own shadow gradually leads her to question her daily routine and listen to her personal aspirations.
This five-minute film combines carefully crafted art direction, sensitive storytelling and ambitious technical choices. The students explored contrasts between light and darkness, silhouettes and interactions between 2D and 3D animation.
Its selection as a finalist in the Rookie of the Year – 3D Animation category at the Rookie Awards 2026 brings international visibility to the team's work.
The Carousel: A 10-Second Animation Loop Created by Clémentine Girard
Another project recognized at the Rookie Awards 2026, the Carousel is a 10-second animation loop created by Clémentine Girard.
An animation loop is a short sequence designed to play continuously. Its final frame must transition naturally back to the first, creating the impression of uninterrupted movement.
This short format requires precise attention to timing, movement and visual continuity. It provides a valuable exercise for developing animation skills.
The selection of th Carousel as a finalist also illustrates the diversity of creative formats explored by MoPA talent, from collaborative short films to individual projects.
Discover The Carousel on The Rookies
Studying Animation at MoPA
Being recognized among the best animation schools in The Rookies rankings is an acknowledgment of the work presented by MoPA students.
At MoPA, the educational approach is based on the progressive development of animation and filmmaking skills. Students strengthen their artistic, storytelling and technical abilities through classes and individual or collaborative projects.
From developing a story to bringing it to the screen, they explore the different stages of film production: character and environment design, storyboarding, animation, lighting, rendering and post-production.
This hands-on approach allows students to gradually build their skills and prepare for professional studio workflows.
Starting with a Preparatory Year Program
Are you passionate about drawing, cinema and animated worlds? MoPA's Preparatory Year helps students develop their artistic foundations, experiment with different techniques and gradually define their educational and career goals.
Discover MoPA's Preparatory Year
Would you like to join an animation school and develop your own creative projects? Explore MoPA's admissions process or meet our team to discuss your study plans.
MoPA in The Rookies 2026 Rankings: Three Global Distinctions
Published in October 2026, The Rookies international rankings recognize creative schools based on their students' work, evaluated by industry professionals.
This year, MoPA features in three international rankings and has improved its position in both of its specialist categories compared with 2025.
- 38th in the World's Top 50 Creative Schools, making MoPA 8th among French schools featured in the overall ranking.
- 13th worldwide in 3D Animation Production Excellence (Best Production Excellence – 3D Animation Schools), climbing 3 places compared with 2025.
- 17th worldwide in 3D Animation (Best 3D Animation Schools), climbing 2 places compared with 2025.
These results mark another milestone for MoPA. After ranking 19th in 3D Animation and 16th in 3D Animation Production Excellence in 2025, the school has improved both positions and returned to the World's Top 50 Creative Schools.
The Production Excellence – 3D Animation category particularly recognizes collaborative student productions. It highlights students' ability to deliver ambitious 3D animation projects by combining artistic, technical and organizational skills.
This distinction reflects MoPA's educational approach, which places filmmaking and teamwork at the heart of the learning experience.
Explore The Rookies 2026 Rankings
FAQ: Understanding The Rookies Rankings and MoPA's Results
Where Does MoPA Rank in The Rookies 2026 Rankings?
MoPA ranks 38th in the World's Top 50 Creative Schools, 13th in 3D Animation Production Excellence and 17th in 3D Animation. The school also ranks 8th among French institutions featured in the overall Top 50.
Is MoPA Among the Best Animation Schools in the World?
MoPA is among the schools internationally recognized by The Rookies in 2026. Its 17th place in 3D Animation and 13th place in 3D Animation Production Excellence reflect the quality of the student work evaluated in this competition.
What Are The Rookies Rankings?
The Rookies publishes annual international rankings of creative schools. These rankings are primarily based on the evaluation of student portfolios and projects submitted to the Rookie Awards by professionals from the creative industries.
What Is the Difference Between the 3D Animation and Production Excellence Rankings?
The 3D Animation ranking evaluates the skills demonstrated in students' 3D animation portfolios. The Production Excellence – 3D Animation category focuses more specifically on collaborative productions and students' ability to work together on completed animation projects.
Which MoPA Projects Were Finalists in the Rookie Awards 2026?
Two projects are featured: La Dernière Tempête, a graduation short film created by six members of the Class of 2025, and Le Carousel, a 10-second animation loop created by Clémentine Girard.
How Can I Apply to MoPA Animation School?
To explore our programs and admissions requirements, visit the MoPA application page. You can also meet the school's team during our information and orientation events.
Sources: The Rookies, Rookies Global School Rankings 2026, published September 2026; Rookie Awards 2026; official results of participating schools and projects.
