(AURN News) — Floyd Norman, 90, will receive an Honorary Oscar at the 2026 Governors Awards, making history as Disney’s first Black animator to be recognized with the honor, according to the Academy Awards.
Norman began his groundbreaking career at Walt Disney Animation Studios in 1956, breaking barriers in an industry where Black artists were rarely seen or acknowledged.
His first Disney feature was “Sleeping Beauty,” and he went on to contribute to classics including “The Sword in the Stone,” “Mary Poppins,” “The Jungle Book,” “Robin Hood,” “Winnie the Pooh and the Honey Tree,” “Toy Story 2” and more.
After a 65-year career, Norman’s legacy is not only one of animation excellence but also of opening doors for generations of Black artists in film.
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