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ApplyMoPA Awards: 25 Years of Success at International Festivals for a Leading 3D Animation School
Founded in 2000 in Arles, MoPA is one of the world's most award-winning 3D animation schools. Its graduation films have earned more than 1,500 selections at international festivals, several Student Academy Awards medals, SIGGRAPH awards, and an Academy Award nomination. This page highlights MoPA's achievements, international rankings, and what this recognition means in practical terms for its students.
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Key takeaways
More than 1,500 selections at international film festivals.
Four Student Academy Award-winning films, SIGGRAPH awards (Best in Show, Best Student Project), a first prize at the Yugo BAFTA Student Awards, and an Academy Award nomination.
Ranked by The Rookies (2024): 14th Best Creative School Worldwide, 6th Best 3D Animation School Worldwide, and 4th in "Production Excellence – 3D Animation".
Accredited by RECA (French Network of Animation Schools) since 2025.
MoPA's Award-Winning Student Films
MoPA's graduation short films are regularly selected and awarded at the most prestigious animation events worldwide. Among their most notable achievements:
Film |
Award |
Presented by |
Garden Party |
Academy Award Nomination |
Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences |
The Green Bird |
Gold Medal, Student Academy Awards |
Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences |
Louis' Shoes |
Gold Medal, Student Academy Awards |
Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences |
The Eclipse Diplomacy |
Best in Show (SIGGRAPH); Silver Medal, Student Academy Awards 2023 |
SIGGRAPH; Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences |
After Grandpa |
Best Student Project, SIGGRAPH 2024; Student Academy Awards 2024 Finalist |
SIGGRAPH; Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences |
Goodbye My World |
Student Academy Award 2024 |
Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences |
The Sound of Silence |
First Prize, Yugo BAFTA Student Awards 2024 |
BAFTA |
Overall, MoPA has produced four Student Academy Award-winning films and received several SIGGRAPH distinctions, two of the animation industry's most prestigious honors. Its graduation films are also regularly selected for the Annecy International Animation Film Festival.
MoPA in International Rankings
In 2024, The Rookies—the global benchmark platform evaluating creative schools through student portfolios reviewed by industry professionals—ranked MoPA among the world's leading institutions in several categories:
The Rookies 2024 Ranking |
Rank |
Best Creative Schools (France) |
5th |
Best Creative Schools (Worldwide) |
14th |
Best 3D Animation Schools (Worldwide) |
6th |
Production Excellence – 3D Animation (Worldwide) |
4th |
Recognition That Opens Doors
For students, having a film selected or awarded at a festival is much more than symbolic recognition. It is an opportunity to present their work to industry professionals, showcase their films internationally, and build a valuable professional network. Recruiters from leading animation studios closely follow these selections: a recognized film serves as a powerful calling card when entering the industry. MoPA's track record therefore plays a concrete role in helping graduates launch their careers.
A Quality Label That Inspires Confidence
Since 2025, MoPA has been accredited by RECA (the French Network of Animation Schools). This accreditation guarantees the transparency of the information provided by the school and serves as a mark of quality and compliance, offering reassurance to both prospective students and their families when choosing a program.
FAQ — MoPA's Awards and Recognition
What awards have MoPA student films won?
Four films have won Student Academy Awards (Gold and Silver Medals), while others have received SIGGRAPH awards (Best in Show, Best Student Project) and Yugo BAFTA Student Awards. One MoPA graduation film was also nominated for an Academy Award.
Is MoPA ranked among the world's best 3D animation schools?
Yes. In 2024, The Rookies ranked MoPA as the world's 6th Best 3D Animation School, the 14th Best Creative School Worldwide, and 4th in the "Production Excellence – 3D Animation" category.
What is RECA accreditation?
RECA is the French Network of Animation Schools. Awarded to MoPA in 2025, this accreditation certifies the transparency of the school's information and its compliance with the network's quality standards.
Are MoPA student films actually screened at international festivals?
Yes. MoPA graduation short films have accumulated more than 1,500 selections at international festivals and are regularly recognized with prestigious awards.
How does an award-winning track record help graduates launch their careers?
A film selected or awarded at a major festival attracts the attention of animation studios and helps graduates establish their first professional connections. It provides tangible proof of their skills and serves as a powerful portfolio piece when applying for jobs.
