^{Credit: Eyes of Wakanda (Disney+), Genndy Tartakovsky’s Primal (Adult Swim), The Mighty Nein (Amazon Prime Video), Star Wars: Visions (Disney+)}

Five artists across four shows have been singled out for Outstanding Individual Achievement In Animation recognition at the 78th Primetime Emmy Awards. Genndy Tartakovsky’s Primal got two notices, with David Krentz for his storyboards on “Kingdom of Sorrow” and Scott Wills’ art direction on “Vengeance of Death.” This is the third Emmy for Krentz, who was previously recognized for his work on the Primal episode “Plague of Madness.” It’s the fourth for Wills, who already has one Emmy for Primal and two for Samurai Jack.

Among this year’s first-time winners are Howard Chen for his background design on The Mighty Nein episode “Mote of Possibility” and Uzoma Dunkwu for character design on the Eyes of Wakanda episode "Into the Lion’s Den." Finally, Takashi Okazaki will be awarded for his character design on the Star Wars: Visions episode, "The Duel: Payback." Okazaki is perhaps best known for writing and illustrating the manga Afro Samurai. Okazaki was nominated back in 2009 as part of the team behind the television movie, Afro Samurai: Resurrection. 

These juried awards are set to be handed out on Sunday, September 6, 2026 as part of the Creative Arts Emmys. 

Outstanding Individual Achievement In Animation

Eyes of Wakanda • Into the Lion’s Den • Disney+ • Marvel Animation
Uzoma Dunkwu, Character Design

Genndy Tartakovsky’s Primal • Kingdom of Sorrow • Adult Swim • Cartoon Network Studios
David Krentz, Storyboard by

Genndy Tartakovsky’s Primal • Vengeance of Death • Adult Swim • Cartoon Network Studios
Scott Wills, Art Direction

The Mighty Nein • Mote of Possibility • Prime Video • Amazon MGM Studios, Titmouse Studios, Critical Role Productions
Howard Chen, Background Design 

Star Wars: Visions • The Duel: Payback • Disney+ • Kamikaze Douga + ANIMA and Lucasfilm Ltd.
Takashi Okazaki, Character Designer

Nick Spake is the Author of Bright & Shiny: A History of Animation at Award Shows Volumes 1, 2, and 3. Available Now!