Star Wars: Visions' 'Black' Short Film Nominated for an Emmy
Star Wars: Visions anthology's standout short film 'Black' has been nominated for an Emmy in the Outstanding Animated Program category at the 2026 Primetime Emmy Awards. According to Anime News Network, this 15-minute production, directed by Shinya Ohira and produced by David Production, will compete in the same category as episodes from established American animated series such as Bob's Burgers, Rick & Morty, The Simpsons, Smiling Friends, and South Park.
This nomination is a clear sign that anime-style storytelling is gaining recognition at one of the most prestigious award ceremonies in American television. Star Wars: Visions was a project launched for Disney+ in 2021, where various Japanese anime studios interpreted the Star Wars universe from their own perspectives. In the anthology, whose second season was released in 2023, 'Black' stands out with its black-and-white aesthetic and experimental animation, presenting a Sith-themed story. Director Shinya Ohira is previously known for independent works such as Tekkonkinkreet and Mind Game, while David Production has made a name for itself in the anime world with popular series like JoJo's Bizarre Adventure and Fire Force.
The Emmy nomination also highlights the recent rise of anime productions' mainstream success in the West. While productions like Animaniacs or Castlevania have been nominated before, it is remarkable that 'Black' is a short film made directly by a Japanese studio using traditional anime techniques. While the category is predominantly home to American-made animated series, 'Black's inclusion on this list proves the global influence of the anime industry. Although the award ceremony has not yet been scheduled, this nomination is considered a success in its own right.
For fans, this news also raises the question of whether Star Wars: Visions will return for a third season. Disney may invest more in the project or commission new short films following this nomination. For now, all eyes are on the Emmy awards night; if 'Black' wins, it will be a historic moment for anime. We will wait and see.
